CHARLESTON, ILL.-  SIUE men's cross country won their first race of the season at the Walt Crawford Invitational 8K, despite the extreme heat.

The Cougars scored 23 points, beating out Eastern Illinois, Murray State, Evansville, and IPFW.

The first Cougar runner to cross the finish line was junior Nick Moore. His time of 26:27.90 was good enough for fifth place. On his heels was junior Clint Kliem, finishing sixth with a time of 26:34.80.

"The results obviously speak for themselves," said Head Coach Eileen McAllister.

Junior Scott Woodard came in seventh with a time of 26:39.90.

"For him to come back from the injury he had last year and progress like he has is great," said McAllister. "He has people around him all the time who push him and that has helped him come back faster."

Completing the top five for the Cougars were senior Luke Padesky (27:28.90) and freshmen Ben Scamihorn (27:52.10).

"Any of those guys could have been our number one at any point in the race," said McAllister. "We aren't satisfied, but we are happy and proud of how they competed today."

The Cougars return to their home course Friday, Sept. 12 to compete in the SIUE Cross Country Challenge.