Strong Performance Lands FSCJ on the Podium in Georgia
The nationally-ranked FSCJ cross country program made their 2024 debut at the "Border Clash" meet hosted by Valdosta State University on Friday night. A torrential downpour during the warm-up made for tough conditions on a course that featured grass, gravel, and red clay. But the Manta Rays were tougher, led by aggressive racing from freshmen Benjamin Hale (6th) and Noah Looney (9th) in the men's race. A late race charge by Gershom Allen, Christian Mayfield, and Kaydan Bowie moved the men's team past Region 8 rival Florida Gateway in the last mile of the race for a 2nd place team finish behind host team VSU.
In the women's race, it was Zahir Miller who demonstrated the leadership style that earned her the captain title, leading the women's team to a pack time of 1:39 seconds and an average time of 25:16. Ellie Cardozo, Ashtyn Parsons, Zoe Weaver, and Gemma Neeld rounded out the top five scorers for the Manta Rays.
"This was a great first race to get our season started, and for our first-ever race as the Manta Rays we saw very aggressive racing from both the women's and men's teams," said Head Coach Jody Hale. "The pack times of 1:00 for the men and 1:39 for the women's team are excellent and showed we raced together as teams. This will be a major factor in our success this year."
TFRRS | VSU Cross Country Border Clash - Meet Results
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