HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Jax State closed out the NCAA South Regional on Friday with historic team and individual finishes at John Hunt Park in Huntsville. Both the men and women earned 15^th our of 27 and 28 teams respectively, while Viola Jepleting had the highest individual regional finish by a woman in Jax State program history.

"The growth in our program is real," said head coach Jeremy Provence, "When you compare to where we were a year ago to where we are now, it is definitely exciting to see the trajectory of the program."

Jepleting clocked in at a time of 20:45.8, finishing 52^nd out of 202 total athletes. Jepkirui Kurgoi finished 67^th, as the second Gamecock to cross the finish line as Mercy Jebet was the third and final Gamecock to place in the top 100 at 76^th.

Naum Kibiwott (119^th) and Selina Planken (147^th) rounded out the top five, improving on Jax State's top five average by over a minute. All of Jax State's top five finishers in the regional were freshmen.

"With our top five finishers all being freshmen, we are excited to help develop this group into a championship contender down the road," said Provence.

The women earned 15^th place, just one year removed from takin home 23^rd at the NCAA South Regional. The 15^th place finish from Jax State is the best finish in a regional in program history.

"To finish in the top 15 for the women validates the regional ranking earlier this season," said Provence, "Despite running without a key contributor for the second half of the year, everyone on the team stepped up and competed very well."

On the men's side, Jax State took home 15^th place. Last season, the Gamecocks earned 13^th in the regional, the highest finish in program history. Just 16 points separated 11^th place Tennessee Tech and 16^th place Vanderbilt in the team standings, with Jax State in the midst of a crowded standings.

"The men didn't have their best race as a team, but we had some really impressive individual performances," said Provence, "Being 16 points from 11^th place is bittersweet knowing we are fully capable of being in that position.

Mark Roper led the men, placing 55^th and setting a new program record in the 10k with a time of 31:04.1. Freshman Nelbat Kiprop Kirwa followed just a few seconds after Roper, placing 57^th with a time of 31:07.9

Evan Allen was the third Gamecock in the top 100, cracking 98^th place, while Jack Lowe (104^th) and Meshack Kosgei (106^th) circled out the point scoring individuals.  

"The growth throughout this season and from last year is something we are grateful for and are excited about as we move forward," said Provence.