Park University Captures First-Ever Heart Men’s Cross Country Championship
History was made at the 2025 Heart of America Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships as Park University claimed its first-ever men's conference title.
The Pirates delivered a dominant performance, placing three runners in the top three and four in the top seven to secure the program's inaugural championship.
Sophomore Caden Peters led the way for Park, earning the individual title with a time of 24:37.1. Teammates Cayden Walker (24:47.3) and Tom Kuehnel (24:48.1) followed closely in second and third, completing a clean sweep of the podium for the Pirates.
Park finished with a team total of 25 points, outpacing Mount Mercy University (36) and Benedictine College (61) to earn the top spot.
The Pirates will now advance to represent the Heart at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships later this month.
Top 3 Teams:
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Park University – 25
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Mount Mercy University – 36
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Benedictine College – 61
Top Individual Finishers:
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Caden Peters – Park – 24:37.1
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Cayden Walker – Park – 24:47.3
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Tom Kuehnel – Park – 24:48.1
Full Results: Men's Results