CEDARVILLE – Senior Alek Erwin was the top Division III finisher Saturday at the Cedarville Friendship Invitational as Wilmington placed sixth of 11 teams.

Erwin finished eighth overall in the time of 26:11.08. He led his teammates by more than two minutes.

"Alek has ran with the top kids in the country," said head coach Ron Combs. "Alek's confidence is real high right now. He hung in there for as fast as he went out. He has a shot at the school record."

Junior Jake Simpkins was the next WC runner across the finish line, placing 51st in a time of 28:16.46, while junior Jacob Boehm was 58th with the time of 28:35.79. The final two finishers were senior Brad Kline, 61st in 28:48.49, and sophomore Dominic King, 65th in 28:56.94.

"We have a good pack right now," said Combs. "But we have to get them closer to Alek, and I think we are capable."

After a week off, Wilmington returns to the Cedarville course to compete in the All-Ohio meet.