COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Jax State Women placed 11^th while the Men took home 14^th in their respective races on Friday at the National Championship preview event, the Gans Creek Classic, hosted by Missouri. Mercy Jebet and Meshack Kosgei led the Gamecock teams individually.

The Jax State Women participated in the Women's 6K Black race, squaring off against Stanford, Texas Tech and others, with Jebet leading the way by placing 18^th. Jebet's time of 21:05.7 is the second best 6K time in the program's history.

Jepkirui Kurgoi followed shortly after, placing 34^th with a time of 21:33.8. Coming off of a record setting 5K at the Southern Showcase, Kurgoi netted the third best 6K time in program history at the Gans Creek Classic.

Selina Planken (117^th), Naum Kibiwott (127^th) and Olivia King (137^th) rounded out the Gamecock top five, all finishing with sub-23-minute times to help Jax State secure 11^th place out of 26 teams. Lindsay Fletcher and Charity Mabuza were the next two Jax State Finishers, both finishing among the top 225.

In the Men's 8K Black race, Kosgei led the charge for Jax State, turning in a 40^th place finish and a time of 24:20.8. Nelbat Kiprop Kirwa finished just behind Kosgei in 73^rd with a time of 24:36.5.

Seniors Jack Lowe and Evan Allen each turned in sub-25-minute finishes, placing 116^th and 125^th respectively. This marks the first time in program history that Jax State had five members finish an 8K in less than 25 minutes. Prior to Friday's meet, Jax State had just 14 sub-25-minute 8K performances in school history.

Stephen Billman rounded out the Gamecock top five with a 175^th place finish in a time of 25:23.3. Nolan McGregor, Augusto Caceres and Tanner Rice all finished among the top 205 participants as well.

As a team, Jax State took home 14^th place out of 26 participating teams.