McCarthy crossed the finish line in 25:42, 17 seconds ahead Devin Butcher from Heidelberg. The time was ten seconds faster than McCarthy's previous best of the season, as 25:52 at last Friday's Notre Dame Invitational.
"He ran a very smart race for a guy who’s only in his third year of running," head coach Roger Busch said.
"His teammate, Seth Einterz was helpful early on in the race. Seth led from 4,000 meters to 6,000 meters after a group of five broke away at the 4,000 mark.
"The group put a surge on at the 7,000 mark. Seth fell off, but Kevin has been confident throughout his training and really understands how an 8k develops. I saw him at the 7k. He made a big move to go straight to the front."
McCarthy took the lead with 400 meters left in the race and outdistanced the rest of the pack for the win.
"Kevin told me afterwards he wasn’t sure taking the lead with 400 meters remaining was the right thing to do, but he made it hold up," Busch said. "McCarthy said he could see finish line, but that sight line can be a little deceiving at the Terre Haute course. He made the move 400 meters away, opened up and had a great finish."
Einters posted a solid finish, as well, crossing the line in 26:09 to finish fourth overall. Donavan White returned to the lineup after missing most of the season with a foot injury. He finished in 27:23 to take 37th place. Grahm Johnson was 48th (27:37), while Justin Allen finished 49th (27:37).
The Little Giants scored a total of 139 points. Heidelberg won the meet with 78 points, followed by Manchester (82), Hope (95), Washington-St. Louis (121) and DePauw (122). A total of 14 teams and 205 runners competed at the event.
Wabash returns to action Saturday, October 17 at the Sam Bell Invitational, hosted by Indiana University.
