The CMU men’s cross country team will send no runners to the NCAA Championships despite an improved showing Saturday at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional meet.

The CMU cross country program is looking to capitalize off its success at the Mid-American Conference championships Saturday in Bloomington, Ind.

Unfavorable weather and course conditions did not stop the men’s cross country team from achieving strong individual and team success Saturday.

Senior Riak Mabil placed second with a time of 25 minutes, 41 seconds, leading CMU to a third-place finish behind Eastern Michigan and winner Kent State at the Mid-American Conference cross country championships in Athens, Ohio.

The CMU men’s and women’s cross country teams braved sloppy weather conditions Saturday to finish with solid individual and team performances at the Mid-American Conference Championships in Athens, Ohio.

The day the CMU cross country program has been building to all season arrives this weekend.

The men’s team will travel Saturday to Athens, Ohio, for the 2009 Mid-American Conference Cross Country Championships, seeking its first conference title since 2004.

Cross country director Willie Randolph expected more out his teams Saturday.

The men’s cross country team finished 27th out of 35 teams at the Pre-Nationals meet in Terre Haute, Ind., with an average time of 25 minutes, 34 seconds. The women finished 31st out of 37 teams.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams are looking to prove their ability as they prepare for the MAC Championships Oct. 31.

Wet and muddy conditions did not stop two women’s cross country runners from setting personal bests Friday at the Michigan Intercollegiates in Grand Rapids.