Fort Dodge, Iowa – Six Lake-Sumter State College cross country runners completed their 2020 season at the NJCAA National Championships hosted in Iowa over the weekend.
It was an exclamation point on what has been an extraordinary career for women's runner, Kyja Williams. After placing second in the Region 8 meet and earning All-State recognition, Williams ran 20:09.55 to finish 17th at Nationals in the pool of over 115 runners. The sophomore got a little taste of redemption finishing just ahead of her counterpart from Daytona State who took first place in Tallahassee, FL two weeks prior. Williams was selected as an NJCAA Coaches Association All-America runner after the event.
Alexander Croy, Nicholas Atkinson, William Troupe, Adolfo Saucedo Flores and Ernesto Velasquez all made the trip up north for Nationals on the men's side. Croy was the top finisher for the Lakehawks coming in 13th with a time of 26:36.91. His top 15 finish earned him NJCAA All-America status. Atkinson was the next member from LSSC to cross the line 36th among the 112 competitors.
Saucedo Flores along with Troupe ran through the finish line back-to-back placing 39th and 40th respectively, followed by Velasquez to complete the team. With five runners competing and four finishing in the top 40, Lake-Sumter finished seventh at Nationals as a team.
"These student-athletes have been phenomenal all season long," said Head Coach, Cristy Snellgroves. "They have put both of our programs on the map in just two short years of existence. I am so proud of all of their accomplishments both on the course and in the classroom. I cannot thank them enough for such a great season under such difficult circumstances."