Cross Country Heads to Nationals
The Men's and Women's Cross Country teams will be returning to the NCCAA National Race on Nov. 12th for the 12th season in a row. The race will be hosted in Jackson, MI by Belhaven University at the Choctaw Trails. The women's race begins at 10 a.m. and the men's race begins at 11 a.m.
The teams have high hopes for some of the best team and individual finishes in a few years.
Both the men and women' teams have the strong potential with being seated as the 4th place teams to place in the top 3 overall at the finish of the race.
The women' team individuals are placed well and have set strong goals:
- Jamie Smith (SR/Toccoa, GA) – seated 6th with the aim of 19:30 (5k) and obtaining All-American Status
- Mackenzie Murley (JR/Toccoa, GA) – seated 13th with the aim of breaking 21:15
- Jess Smith – seated 32nd with the aim of breaking 22:11
- Amber Dennis (SO/Mineral Springs, NC) – seated 38th and has the aim to break 24:30
The men' team individuals are also placed well with strong goals:
- Stephen King (FR/Clayton, GA) – seated 11th with the aim of 27:50 (8k)
- Tim Sestak – seated 13th with the aim of breaking 29:00
- Thomas Totherow (SO/Dalton, GA) – seated 23rd with the aim of 29:30
- Mitchell Thompson – seated 36th with the aim of 30:15
- Jonny Milano – seated 46th with the aim of breaking 32:00
- Josh Estes – aim of going 37:45
For those who wish to follow the Screaming Eagles during their Nationals run, you can find additional information at http://blazers.belhaven.edu/sports/2016/8/24/2016-nccaa-cross-country-championships.aspx.