Lakehawk Cross Country Wraps Up Season at NJCAA Championships

November 18, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. (Cross Country) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) men's and women's cross country teams traveled to Richmond, Va. to compete in the 2024 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Cross Country Championships last week. The Lakehawks rounded out the 2024 season showcasing their hard work and growth on the course throughout the season.

This year's cross country season was marked by challenges with hurricanes disrupting the schedule, limiting racing opportunities for both teams, but the Lakehawks found a way to battle through the continued adversities for a successful race.

The course proved challenging environmentally with chilly morning temperatures and gusty winds, as well as a dusty and hilly terrain. Overall, nine of the 14 competing Lakehawks posted personal records (PR).

The women's race was first. The Lakehawks achieved their highest finish in program history taking 31^st of 41 teams in competition.

Oksanna Smith and Alexis Hume continue to lead the Lakehawks on the course, both recording PRs to cap their freshmen seasons. Smith shaved off over one minute from the 2024 Region 8 Championships just one week earlier with a 5,000-Meter (5K) time of 21:21.6.

In the men's race, Spencer Palmer led the way for the Lakehawks, finishing in 27:02.1, posting a 31-second PR. Connor Parrish and Thatcher Clarke followed close behind Palmer, both posting PRs in the final race of the season.

Jovanni Matos also recorded a new PR of 29:08.3, shaving off 40 seconds from his most recent best time at the Region 8 Championships.

The men's team took 21^st overall of 41 teams.

Head coach Cristy Snellgroves shared her thoughts on the season, "Watching this team grow together has been incredibly rewarding."

"Their improvement, teamwork, and camaraderie have made me extremely proud. This season has reinforced what Lake-Sumter Cross Country is all about: hard work, resilience, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the course," said Coach Snellgroves.

With another successful cross country season in the books, the teams will now transition into the track and field season. The Lakehawks look to carry forward the same passion, dedication, and determination that define Lake-Sumter Athletics.

Final Results - Women

Oksanna Smith – 21:21.4 (PR)

Alexis Hume – 22:20.9 (PR)

Sade Lee – 22:57.4 (PR)

Demaris Soto – 23:24.1

Kristina Varada – 23:39.4 (PR)

Emma Santiago – 26:29.1

Victoria Silva – 27:28.5 (PR)

Final Results - Men

Spencer Palmer – 27:02.1 (PR)

Connor Parrish – 27:39.2 (PR)

Thatcher Clarke – 28:56.7 (PR)