CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Behind an outstanding performance from junior Franklin Kipchirchir, the Fayetteville State men's cross country team placed sixth overall at the Royals Challenge, hosted by Queens University.

Competing against a talented regional field, the Broncos finished with 183 team points, just one point behind fifth-place Wingate.

Milligan (Tenn.) claimed the team championship with 70 points, followed by Catawba with 120 points and Augusta with 131 points. Fayetteville State's sixth-place finish came ahead of numerous NCAA Division II and regional programs.

Kipchirchir paced the Broncos with a runner-up finish, crossing the line in a personal-best 24:12.1. The reigning CIAA Men's Cross Country Performer of the Week continued his strong season by finishing among the event's elite runners and earning Fayetteville State's top placing.

Junior Brian Kiprop delivered a season-best performance of 24:50.4 to finish 21st overall, while fellow junior Dominic Malel posted a personal-best 24:52.5 and a 25th-place finish.

Junior Ian Kiprono added another personal-best effort, completing the course in 25:37.0 for 69th place. Sophomore Rowny Kipchirchir rounded out the Broncos' scoring runners with a personal-best time of 26:10.9, placing 105th.

Sophomore Collin Serem finished in 28:08.0, while senior Ivan Taylor recorded a personal-best 29:40.0.

The Broncos will now turn their attention to the postseason as they prepare for the CIAA Cross Country Championship on Oct. 22 in Salem, Va.

For complete coverage of Fayetteville State cross country, visit FSUBroncos.com and follow the Broncos on social media.