CARMEL, Ind. - The IUPUI men's cross country team put up a strong effort in capturing a runner-up finish at its Jaguar Classic at Northview Church on Friday night (Sept. 10). No. 9 Butler took the top spot with 16 points while IUPUI was second with 49. 

Milwaukee (94), UIC (99), Wright State (145) and Purdue Fort Wayne (160) rounded out the six-team field. 

Reigning Horizon League Runner of the Week Nate Kaiser paced IUPUI and placed fifth of 78 runners with a time of 24:52.3, just off a five-minute mile pace. Behind him, classmate Brennan Butche was seventh in a time of 25:03.0 and Eric Petersen was tenth at 25:16.5. 

Nick Perkins spun a time of 25:20.1 to finish 12th and Carmel-native Grant Moon was 15th in his collegiate debut in a time of 25:31.0. Head coach Chuck Koeppen's squad flashed some depth as well as two-time All-Horizon League performer Alex Ratkovich was 17th overall at 25:37.3 and Mitchell Gits, the league reigning Freshman of the Year, was 19th at 25:40.8. 

Mitchell Rans, who was the team's No. 5 finisher at the season opener, clocked a time of 25:54.8 and Eric Hoffman finished at 26:06.5. 

"I thought tonight was a lot of fun. We had a ton of alumni out here supporting us and just a really good showing from our guys. Butler is tough as nails, but I think we've got a pretty tough bunch as well," Koeppen said. "Those guys up front in Kaiser and Butche have been really good for us so far this season. 

"I really like our team - we've just got a blue collar group of guys. They come out everyday ready to work and improve and work together well. I think if we continue to work hard and progress, we've got the opportunity to have something special."

Butler runners nabbed the top four spots to easily win the meet while IUPUI's depth was evident from the opening gun. 

The Jaguars will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 1 when they compete in Notre Dame's Joe Piane Invitational in South Bend.