SOUTH BEND, Ind (9/19/2025) -- 45 years and counting is the tradition at Notre Dame, and now, a new Titan holds a school record for the race as senior Joshua Otten posted an 8k personal record for the University of Detroit Mercy men's cross country team at the National Catholic Championships on Friday.

As a team, UDM recorded 154 points for fifth at Notre Dame's Burke Golf Course. 

Otten earned ninth with a career-low 24:25, a PR by 18 seconds, and the fastest time ever by a Titan at Notre Dame. Overall, it is the fourth-best 8k mark in school history and the best since Ben Kendell ran 24:19 at the 2018 Horizon League Championship. 

Rookie Colin Murray also came away with a school record, as his time of 24:44 was good for 13th in the race, the best freshman 8k in school history, and 11th overall.

They were not the only ones sporting PR's as sophomore Ryan Belanger claimed 30th with a career-low 25:38, tied for 37th in school history. 

Junior Christopher Russelburg finished 55th in 26:39, and sophomore Caleb Wynn crossed the end at 26:55 for 64th. Junior Kenyon Popiel placed 69th in 27:04, and sophomore Nicholas Yaquinto earned 75th with a time of 27:12.

Detroit Mercy will now get ready for the Live in the Lou Cross Country Classic on Oct. 4.