JACKSONVILLE – The Jax State Cross Country teams are set to participate in the Upstate Invitational this weekend in Spartanburg, S.C. Last season, the Jax State men won the event while the women placed second.
Upstate Invitational
Oct. 18, 2025
Women: 8:00 a.m. | 8:45 a.m.
Live Results
Gamecocks Continue to Earn Weekly Awards
Meshack Kosgei,
Nelbat Kiprop Kirwa and
Mercy Jebet all three earned a CUSA weekly honor following their performances at the Gans Creek Classic hosted by Missouri. Kosgei was tabbed the CUSA Men's Athlete of the Week with Kirwa and Jebet taking home CUSA Men's and Women's Freshman of the Week honors respectively. Through three meets this season, Jax State has earned eight CUSA awards.
Last Year in SC
Jax State took home the team title on the men's side of the event while earning second place out of 20 clubs in Spartanburg. Returners
Olivia King,
Maxima Majer,
Meshack Kosgei,
Mark Roper and
Jack Lowe all placed among the top five for the Gamecocks while King, Kosgei, Roper and Lowe all finished top 10 overall in their respective events.
A Look Ahead
Following the Upstate Invitational, the Gamecocks have just one October meet left, a dual against West Georgia at the Gary Wilson Invitational (Oct. 21). Jax State will then participate in the CUSA Championship on Nov. 1 in Huntsville, Ala.
Gamecocks Make Program History in USTFCCCA Rankings
For the first time in Jacksonville State Women's Cross Country history, the Gamecocks are ranked in the USTFCCCA Regional Rankings, sitting 14
th in the South Region rankings. The Gamecock women join the men, who began the season ranked 13
th and jumped to 12
th following the Southern Showcase. It is the highest ranking in program history for both teams.
Year Three
2025 serves as the third Cross Country season at the helm of the Jax State program for head coach
Jeremy Provence. Provence arrived at Jax State in the spring of 2023 for outdoor track and field season before leading the Gamecocks into the first year of Conference USA competition in his first season with the program in 2023. Provence and the Gamecocks managed four team victories last season between the men and women, also earning their highest NCAA Regional finishes in program history.
