It might seem a little unusual to already being looking ahead ot the 2017 cross country season  for the Hamline men's team. After all, the 2016 season just ended Saturday for Hamline with a 14th place finish at the NCAA D-III Central Region race at Carleton College in Northfield. However, when you see who ran the best times, it is understandable why HU head coach Devin Monson came away smiling and thinking down the road. 

For openers, HU placed 14th in the 30-team field -- a four place jump from a year ago. Their total score of 399 shaved 90 points off their 2016 total.

Now take a gander who led the way:

• Fernando Benitez (pictured), a freshman, was the top Pipers finisher, coming in 51st for the 8K course in a time of 26:32.9.
• Sam Bell, also a freshman, was next, placing 55th in 26:36.7.

James Logan, the lone senior, in the top five, was next, finishing 76th in 26:55.1. A pair of sophomores -- Tony Duchenes (104th, 27:23.6) and Kyle Mehrhof (113th, 27:31.3) rounded out the Piper scoring. With just two seniors on the 2016 team, it is easy to see why Monson is already thinking ahead. 

For complete meet results, click here.