FORT VANCOUVER, Wash. - Ashford University men's cross country standout Andrew Drinkall of Hooppole, Ill., wrapped up a fantastic fall season amidst muddy conditions on Saturday, competing on the biggest stage at the national championships.

Drinkall tested his skill and matched wits against 323 of the country's best runners from the NAIA ranks and finished his final 8K test of the season with a time of 28:32. He finished 273rd in the pack of 323 individuals.

Oklahoma Christian University's Silas Kisorio edged Carison Kemei from McKendree College (Ill.) at the finish line, clocking in for top honors at 24:23.

"I'm extremely happy that I had the chance to compete in the national championships," Drinkall said. "I'm also very happy with the success I had this season. With that being said, I'm excited to turn my focus to the track season and start training for the 800-meter dash on Monday where I hopefully will make it to the national championships again."

"It was a busy week for Andrew and it's been a great experience for him," AU Head Coach Tyson Graham said. "We're so proud of him for making it this far and representing Ashford University the way he did."

Drinkall ran his first mile in 5:13, right on par with his expectations, but ran into a few complications shortly after.

The junior reported the four-lap course was covered in mud and with more repetitions, continued to get worse as the race progressed.

"The course had several tight corners that were covered in mud and with everyone fighting for position, it was very easy to lose footing," Drinkall said.

Drinkall commented that several runners lost their shoes in the mud and even fell. Even though he avoided their plights, traction became an issue and combined with the incline of the hills and slippery mud, kept losing his footing.

Prior to the race on Friday evening at a pre-race dinner, the NAIA announced that Drinkall received Daktronics Scholar-Athlete status, equivalent to Academic All-American recognition.