HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Embry-Riddle men's cross country team wrapped up its postseason run on Saturday with a nice showing of fifth place at NCAA II South Regionals. The Eagles jumped out to an early lead in the first portion of the 10K race, but tough competition from the field prevented ERAU from moving on to the NCAA Championships.
 
"I thought both teams really went for it today," head coach Mike Rosolino said. "Both got out really well in the early race and tried to contend. We really gave it our best effort today."
 
ERAU finished second among Sunshine State Conference foes, just behind Florida Southern, while Tayan Benson and Nicholas Scarangelli finished in the top-5 of all conference runners as well.
 
Benson and Scarangelli performed very well for the Eagles, each setting new 10K PRs en route to top-20 finishes. Benson's time of 31:24.64 bests his previous time by more than two minutes, while sophomore Scarangelli's 31:40.36 was about two minutes faster than even his 9.8K showing from Regionals last year by two minutes as well. With their top-25 placement, Benson and Scarangelli each earned the distinction of All-Region, and will find out Monday if they will make the trip to NCAA II Nationals in Sacramento.
 
Andrew Stowe finished in 30th for the Blue & Gold, running the course just outside a top-20 finish in 32:16.47. Ethan Stout was not far behind at 32:27.59 for a 33rd place finish, while Brandon Santangelo (32:56.61) placed 44th, Rylan Malarchick's 33:18.92 was good enough for 49th and Simon Cole rounded out the Eagle runners in 54th with his 33:34.94.
 
With the Regionals, the Eagles officially wrap up the 2024 cross country season, with all runners looking forward to the upcoming track and field season this spring.