THIBODAUX, La. – Ian Brown led the Spring Hill College men's cross country team with a fifth-place finish Saturday at the Nicholls State XC Invitational as the Badgers continued their preparation for the upcoming 8K portion of the season.

Brown completed the four-mile race in 21:22.8 to pace Spring Hill. Charles Blackwell followed in 11th at 22:48.1, while Luke Burlison finished 24th in 24:15.2.

Teotl Heredia crossed the finish line in 25:02.4 to place 27th, followed by Erik Lindmark in 29th at 25:43.1. Tripp Campbell rounded out the Badgers' six runners, finishing 41st in 27:45.2.

Spring Hill finished fourth of six teams with 89 points. Jackson State won the team competition with 16 points, while the Tigers' Ryan Achau claimed the individual title in 20:01.0.

The meet provided the Badgers with an opportunity to continue adjusting to the longer distance they'll face in the 8K, particularly with a young roster and one runner from the team's projected top five unavailable Saturday.

"This was a good meet for our men's team," head coach Craig McVey said. "We were missing one from our top five and that hurt us, but we still got a lot done."

McVey said the four-mile distance and adjustments to the team's race plan were valuable preparation as the Badgers continue working toward the conference championship.

"Going four miles with a younger team, which we are, and changing a race plan is a big help in getting everyone accustomed to 8,000 meters," McVey said.

Spring Hill will have two weeks between races, returning to competition Oct. 16 at the Mississippi Christian Invitational. McVey views the meet as the Badgers' final tune-up before the conference championship.

"Being ready then is big," McVey said. "Every day is important ahead."