HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – For the second consecutive year, the Jax State men earned third place at the Conference USA Cross Country Championship while the women placed seventh out of 12 teams. Four Gamecock men and two Gamecock women took home All-Conference honors following their performances, including Viola Jepleting being named CUSA Freshman of the Meet.

"I'm really proud of both teams," said Jax State head coach Jeremy Provence, "They both competed with a lot of determination. I want to give a big congratulations to the individuals who were All-Conference, including Viola on being named Freshman of the Meet." 

Meshack Kosgei led Jax State in the men's race with a 14^th place finish and time of 24:18.6. Kosgei was followed by three others in the top 20. The Gamecocks trailed only Middle Tennessee and Liberty in the men's race.

"We started chipping away late in the race, but ultimately the top two teams were just too deep," said Provence, "to have finished third in Conference USA is a great accomplishment."

Nelbat Kiprop Kirwa (17^th), Evan Allen (18^th) and Mark Roper (19^th), all finished one second apart from each other, helping secure third place as a team for the Gamecocks and earning individual All-Conference honors. Senior Jack Lowe was the fifth Gamecock scorer in 24^th place. All five Jax State finishers crossed the line in under 25 minutes.

"The guys did a great job of getting out early and getting in a good position, it was a record setting day for the men."

Jepleting was the highlight on the women's side, finishing in eighth place, becoming the first freshman to cross the finish line. Along with her program record 6K time of 20:37.6 Jepleting secured Freshman of the Meet honors on the women's side, awarded to the top finishing freshman.

"This group competed today about as well as we could have hoped," said Provence, "We had a school record, the Freshman of the Meet, two All-Conference selections and nine of our 10 set personal bests."

Jepkirui Kurgoi was the other Gamecock to earn All-Conference honors on the women's side, placing 20^th in the meet with a sub 21-minute time of 20:57.3. Mercy Jebet (31st), Naum Kibiwott (49^th) and Olivia King (62^nd) rounded out the top five in the women's race.

"When you break down the standings, we are right there with the group of teams right in front of us. The competition was tough and other teams had great finishes. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat and congratulate your competitor on a great day," said Provence.

The Jax State men placed third in the meet for the second consecutive season while the women placed seventh after finishing in sixth the year prior. This season marked the addition of Delaware and Missouri State, both sponsoring only women's cross country, adding two more teams in the women's standings.

"I think we proved we can be competitive on both sides," said Provence, "I'm looking forward to the continued growth of our programs."
 
Jax State looks to return to John Hunt Park on Nov. 14 at the NCAA South Regional in Huntsville.