Lakehawk Cross Country Battles Swan City Classic

September 7, 2025

LAKELAND, Fla. (Cross Country) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) cross country teams opened the 2025 season on Saturday morning at the Swan City Cross Country Classic held at Holloway Park. Racing over rolling hills and humid conditions, both team teams showed resilience finishing just behind NJCAA opponent Pasco-Hernando State College.

Head Coach Cristy Snellgroves entering her seventh season with the program shared her thoughts, "The hills and humid conditions at Holloway tested our athletes but they showed great resilience. We have a talented group that is just beginning to open up their seasons, and I know they will continue to get stronger with every race."

"This group has the right mix of toughness and potential to make it an exciting year for Lakehawk Cross Country."

The Lakehawk women placed seventh overall, narrowly trailing Pasco-Hernando in sixth. Sophomore Oksanna Smith led the charge with a composed and confident race.

Smith was closely backed by Lily Lewis and Neelyanis Lugo Ramos, who pushed one another stride for stride throughout the course.

Sade Lee and Kristina Varada closed out the scoring five, both showing toughness and resilience.

"Our women are showing how much talent we have across the roster, and the way they are supporting each other is something special. This opener highlighted the strength of both our returners and newcomers, and I am excited to watch them continue to push one another forward as the season builds," said Coach Snellgroves.

The Lakehawk men secured eighth place overall, once again just one spot behind Pasco-Hernando. Spencer Palmer set the tone with another strong performance at the front, running a personal 6K best of 19:57.

Just behind S. Palmer, was his twin brother Elijah Palmer joining the team this year as a sophomore. Thatcher Clarke was close on their heels also running a personal best of 21:22.

The men's pack ran a tight and competitive race with Bryce Blalock, Issa Issaku, Parker Mathis, and Noah Kaegi all crossing within 21 seconds of one another.

"The men showed grit on a tough course and took important first steps in learning to race as a unit. The opener gave us perspective on where we stand and now, we can focus on turning that experience into steady growth."

"With time and consistency, this group will keep getting stronger," said Coach Snellgroves.

The Lakehawks will be back in competition next weekend in Daytona Beach, Fla. at the Embry-Riddle Cross Country Classic. Information regarding next week's race can be found here.

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Final Results – Women

Oksanna Smith – 16:37 (PR)

Lily Lewis – 17:23

Neelyanis Lugo Ramos – 17:26

Sade Lee – 18:31 (PR)

Abigail Hersh – 19:35

Amaya Mitchell – 20:50

Avery Adkins – 24:27

Isabella Zamudio – 30:31

Olivia Royal – 34:12