Cross Country Competes at Nationals
Jackson, Mississippi—The Women's and Men's Cross Country teams traveled to Belhaven University to compete in the NCCAA DII National Cross Country Championship on Saturday morning. The course proved to be tough for both teams, as only two Screaming Eagles were able to record a personal best time.
The Women' team raced first. There were three other teams competing at the DII level. Jamie Smith (SR/Toccoa, GA) recorded a personal record of 20:03, and finished fifth overall. That fifth place finished solidified her spot as a 1st Team All American. Mackenzie Murley (JR/Toccoa, GA) finished in 15th overall, with the time of 21:30. Jessie Smith (SO/Toccoa, GA) finished with the time of 23:47. Mindy Cooperrider (SR/Ashland, OH) also recorded a personal best time, finishing in 25:08. Amber Dennis (SO/Mineral Springs, NC) finished the race in 26:06. The Women' Team placed 4th overall out of 4 teams with an average time of 23:19.
The Men competed against five other teams in DII. Stephen King (FR/Clayton, GA) finished in 13th place overall, with the time of 29:54. Timothy Sestak (SR/Grove City, PA) came in 34th place with the time of 32:03. Thomas Totherow (SO/Dalton, GA) was not far behind, with the time of 32:43. Mitchell Thomas (SR/Juliette, GA) came in with the time of 33:33. Jonathan Milano (FR/Waterloo, IA) recorded a time of 35:57. Joshua Estes (FR/Gwinnett, GA), still running injured, came in with a time of 45:16. The Screaming Eagles came in 6th out of 6 teams, with the average time of 32:50.
Head Coach Anna McClatchy was very pleased with her team' season, stating, "This was one of the best seasons we've had as a team. There were numerous PRs, Scholar Athletes, All-Regions, National placing, and an All-American this season. The teams encouraged each other to succeed during practice, meets and in the classroom. They are a wonderful group of runners who will go on to achieve much more in life."