ROCHESTER, Mich. (8/29/2025) -- The University of Detroit Mercy men's cross country team was all over the top 10 and top 20, with senior Joshua Otten leading the way, as the Titans started the year at the Golden Grizzly Open on Friday. 

Overall, Otten placed second to lead three Titans in the top six, and seven UDM harriers were in the top 20 in the 5k race. 

Otten never fell outside of the top four in the entire race as he clocked a career-best 14:52 for runner-up. It was the best finish by a Titan at Oakland since Colin Creagh '15 was second in 2014.   

Freshman Colin Murray earned fifth in his collegiate debut, crossing the finish line in 15:11, while sophomore Ryan Belanger tallied a career-low 15:26 for sixth, nearly 40 seconds better than his debut last season.

Junior Christopher Russelburg earned a PR by nearly 50 seconds in taking 12th in 15:54. Sophomore Caleb Wynn also shaved nearly 50 seconds off his 5k debut last season as he placed 13th in 15:55, while junior Kenyon Popiel registered a 30-second career best of 15:58 for 14th. 

Rounding out the top 20 was sophomore Nicholas Yaquinto, who bested his 5k mark by more than two minutes, clocking 16:21 for 20th. 

The Titans will continue their training and next compete at Notre Dame's National Catholic Championships on Sept. 19.