Ocala, Fla. – Sports are most definitely back in action at Lake-Sumter State College after both the men's and women's cross country teams competed in the Florida Horse Park Invitational Friday.
With all of the anxiety and nervousness surrounding the athletes about to run in their first meet of the year, the race was delayed quite some time due to wet and soft terrain after a thunderstorm rolled through the area. "The weather and the corresponding delay made for a difficult start to the season," said Head Coach, Cristy Snellgroves. "However, it is these types of situations that prepare our runners for unpredictable scenarios and this will certainly benefit them in the long run."
The weather did not seem to dampen the men's spirits, finishing with three runners inside the top 10. Alexander Croy came across the finish line in sixth place with a time of 17:22, right behind his teammate, William Troupe at 17:15. The top finisher for the Lakehawks was Adolfo Saucedo Flores who came in third amongst the field of 33 competitors in 17:03. Ernesto Velasquez ran a great race finishing just outside the top 10 with a time of 17:54.
Lake-Sumter finished second with a score of 44 behind Dayton State (29). "I was very proud of how our men's team took the adversity head-on and regained their competitive mindset in the challenging conditions," Snellgroves said. "It's always great to see four Lakehawks in the top 11."
Kyja Williams picked up right where she left in 2019 and led the LSSC women's team on her way to a personal best, third place finish. Williams clocked in at 21:51 and was the only runner in the top five not from Pasco-Hernando State College. Tori Bell placed 29th in her first ever collegiate race. The team finished in fifth place at the event, just behind Florida State College of Jacksonville. "The women all achieved their individual goals and performed well as a team Friday," said Snellgroves. "This is just a starting point for these young ladies and I cannot wait to see how far they go."
Next up for both teams will be the Alligator Lake Invitational in Lake City, FL. The race will begin 6 pm Friday, September 18.