Friday, November 15
Tallahassee, Fla.
(6K) 7:30 a.m.
Jacksonville State University
vs
NCAA South Region
Cross Country Earns Highest Ever Finish at NCAA South Regionals
11/15/2024 2:18:00 PM | Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Jacksonville State Cross Country teams turned in the best regional finish in program history on Friday in Tallahassee. The Gamecock men placed 13th while the women placed 23rd in the NCAA South Regional.
I'm proud of both the men and women," said head coach Jeremy Provence, "They remained focused and displayed a lot of grit against the best of the best in the south region. Once again, it was a historically great day for both teams."
Freshman Dennis Kipkurui once again led the squad, this time setting a program record in the 10K with a 31:19.9 finish and placing 46th. Kipkurui had the 10th best finish of any freshman in the regional race.
"The men executed well and finished off a successful season with a strong 13th place finish. In the last few meets, they have been very good at gaining position over the past 2-3 kilometers and today was no exception. This shows just how confident and tough of a group they are."
Meshack Kosgei wrapped up his day not far behind Kipkurui, placing 53rd and crossing the finish line just nine seconds later. Mark Roper and Jack Lowe each placed among the top 100 individuals, finishing 91st and 94th individually.
"Meshack had one of his best performances this season. He started the race in a top 40 position and was able to hang around that spot throughout the race. It really helped out the team having Meshack up close to Dennis."
Rodrigo Fraga rounded out the Gamecock top five in 115th place. The Jax State men placed one spot behind Georgia and just ahead of Kennesaw State, Vanderbilt and North Alabama.
Rodrigo, the only senior competing in the meet, also turned in one of his best races of the year," said Provence, "In the last two meets, Rodrigo came through in a big way for the team. Without his effort we do not see the same level of success. I'm incredibly happy to see him finish his cross country career with such a positive result."
On the women's side, Beti Manzano Jimeno carried some positive momentum into the regional, placing 72nd and leading the Gamecock squad. The senior from Balsareny, Spain finished the 6K regional in 21:30.2.
"Beti closed out a phenomenal cross country career with another great race. In her grad year, Emily made a huge impact on our program. We are incredibly proud and grateful for their dedication and leadership, particularly this season with such a young group of women."
Olivia King placed 103rd with a 22:02.9 finish while Maxima Majer (131st) and Emily Coddington (133rd) finished not far behind. Clara Rubio Machacon was the fifth Jax State individual to finish the race, crossing in 182nd place.
"The women did a great job of controlling their pre-race emotions and had some good results," said Provence, "For the majority of the team, this was their first experience at a NCAA championship event and they all stayed focused and executed our specific race plan, something we have worked on the last 3-4 meets."
The women finished just one spot behind fellow CUSA school FIU by a 1.0 second team total time.
I'm proud of both the men and women," said head coach Jeremy Provence, "They remained focused and displayed a lot of grit against the best of the best in the south region. Once again, it was a historically great day for both teams."
Freshman Dennis Kipkurui once again led the squad, this time setting a program record in the 10K with a 31:19.9 finish and placing 46th. Kipkurui had the 10th best finish of any freshman in the regional race.
"The men executed well and finished off a successful season with a strong 13th place finish. In the last few meets, they have been very good at gaining position over the past 2-3 kilometers and today was no exception. This shows just how confident and tough of a group they are."
Meshack Kosgei wrapped up his day not far behind Kipkurui, placing 53rd and crossing the finish line just nine seconds later. Mark Roper and Jack Lowe each placed among the top 100 individuals, finishing 91st and 94th individually.
"Meshack had one of his best performances this season. He started the race in a top 40 position and was able to hang around that spot throughout the race. It really helped out the team having Meshack up close to Dennis."
Rodrigo Fraga rounded out the Gamecock top five in 115th place. The Jax State men placed one spot behind Georgia and just ahead of Kennesaw State, Vanderbilt and North Alabama.
Rodrigo, the only senior competing in the meet, also turned in one of his best races of the year," said Provence, "In the last two meets, Rodrigo came through in a big way for the team. Without his effort we do not see the same level of success. I'm incredibly happy to see him finish his cross country career with such a positive result."
On the women's side, Beti Manzano Jimeno carried some positive momentum into the regional, placing 72nd and leading the Gamecock squad. The senior from Balsareny, Spain finished the 6K regional in 21:30.2.
"Beti closed out a phenomenal cross country career with another great race. In her grad year, Emily made a huge impact on our program. We are incredibly proud and grateful for their dedication and leadership, particularly this season with such a young group of women."
Olivia King placed 103rd with a 22:02.9 finish while Maxima Majer (131st) and Emily Coddington (133rd) finished not far behind. Clara Rubio Machacon was the fifth Jax State individual to finish the race, crossing in 182nd place.
"The women did a great job of controlling their pre-race emotions and had some good results," said Provence, "For the majority of the team, this was their first experience at a NCAA championship event and they all stayed focused and executed our specific race plan, something we have worked on the last 3-4 meets."
The women finished just one spot behind fellow CUSA school FIU by a 1.0 second team total time.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
Sunday, May 17
Saturday, May 16
Wednesday, May 13
Sunday, May 10
