VANCOUVER, Wash. – Friday afternoon, Sam Kiser closed his 2019 campaign in 152^ndplace at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships.
 
Earning the Mid-South Conference's top individual qualifying bid, Kiser put together a 26:46.9 for his mark.
 
Kiser's mark is consistent with his performances at the past two NAIA Championships where he finished in 26:50 last time on this course and a 26:44 a year ago.
 
Kiser was able to jump out to a quick 6:29.8 for his first 2,000 meters, but slowed around eight seconds per 2K for the remainder of the race.
 
Kiser was the ninth MSC runner to finish the race after Shawnee State placed seven in the top 105 and Denis Kiplagat from Cumberland University ran a 26:35.9 for 126^th.
 
Mark Shaw of Oklahoma City led the field of 335 competitors as he crossed the line in 24:39.5. Shaw helped Oklahoma City to the team national title, as they scored 110 team points.
 
This concludes the cross country season for the NAIA as the Tiger athletes will now prep to compete with the indoor track and field squad.