Salisbury, N.C. – The Virginia Union University men's cross-country team captured first place at the Blue Bear XC Invitational, hosted by Livingstone College on Friday, September 19.

The Panthers secured the team title with a score of 34, finishing 21 points ahead of their nearest competitor.

Leading the way was freshman standout Rodgers Korir, who claimed his third straight individual championship with a winning time of 15:38.33 on the five-kilometer course. He was followed closely by teammates Darryl Hawkins, who finished second in 16:22.97, and Keon Koonce, who placed third with a time of 17:02.29.

"Congratulations to the men's team for taking first place at the Livingstone College Cross Country meet," said VUU Head Cross-Country Coach Franck Charles. "We had an incredible sweep with three guys leading the way — Rodgers Korir in first place, Darryl Hawkins in second, and Keon Koonce in third. Going into this meet, I told them we needed to win since all five teams competing are in our conference. This was a chance to see where we stand as a team, and they delivered. Proud of them!"

Virginia Union now turns its attention to the Ben Snelling Cancer Classic, scheduled for Friday, October 3, at 5:30 p.m. in Louisburg, N.C.