Elmhurst, Ill. --- University of St. Francis' men's cross country team placed three of its 18 runners in the top 50 at the Elmhurst College Early Bird Invitational late Friday afternoon at Eldridge Park to finish fourth out of 17 teams.

Freshman Sean Smith (Winnebago H.S./Winnebago, IL) had an impressive first showing, topping all other Saint runners by placing 25th overall with a time of 20:20 on the six-kilometer course. 

Teammate Michael McElyea (Joliet Junior College/Illiopolis, IL) was not far behind finishing 33rd with his 20:31 time.

Junior Adam Yost (Sparta H.S./Sparta, MI) rounded out the list of top 50 runners with his time of 20:48, which placed him 46th overall. 

Rounding out USF's scoring runners were juniors Ian McDowell (Lansing Community College/Lansing, IL) (52nd, 20:55) and Tony Burbatt (Bremen H.S./Midlothian, IL) (61st, 21:21).

North Central College dominated the meet by having each of its first six runners and seven of eight cross the finish line first led by Mike Spain with a time of 19:01.  The Cardinals scored the minimum 15 points with its all-freshmen team placing third (120 points).  Wheaton College was in between with its 58 points.  USF totaled 148 points.

A total of 17 teams and 201 runners competed in the event.

The Saints return to action two weeks from today when they compete in the National Catholic College Championships at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana on Sept. 18.