Lakehawk Cross Country Competes at FSU XC Invite
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Cross Country) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) cross country teams competed in the annual FSU XC Invite at Apalachee Regional Park on Friday morning. Competing in a field of runners from all levels NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA, this race serves as a preview for the regional championship in late October.
The women's race marked the first collegiate 6K for the entire Lakehawk squad, a big step as they prepare for the championship season. The two-loop course was wet, hilly, and humid with a slight rain, making the longer distance even more demanding on the athletes.
With NCAA powerhouses in the field, the race provided the Lakehawks the opportunity to measure themselves against top competition while also going head-to-head with several NJCAA rivals.
Among junior college programs, Daytona State finished 24th, Gulf Coast State finished 30th, Eastern Florida took 31st, Pasco-Hernando took 32nd, Lake-Sumter finished 34th, South Florida State came in 35th and Tallahassee finished 36th. The Lakehawks battles within that group, continuing to show steady development as the season progresses.
Freshman Oksanna Smith led the way for Lake-Sumter, running a 26:23 to break 27 minutes in her collegiate debut 6K. Neelyanis Lugo Ramos followed in 27:33.
Lily Lewis finished in 28:05 followed by teammates Abigail Hersh and Maria Oliveira finishing in 29:48 for the scoring pack.
"Our women raced with a lot of grit today. Oksanna and Neelyanis set a strong tone up front, and I was encouraged by the progress we are seeing from the rest of our pack."
"Tackling a 6K for the first time was a big step, and experiences like this will prepare us well for Regionals," said Head Coach Cristy Snellgroves.
The nationally ranked Lakehawk men's team lined up against a deep field of 34 teams. The 8K was congested on a three-loop course.
Among NJCAA programs, Daytona State finished 17th, Pasco-Hernando took 27th, Lake-Sumter finished 29th, Seminole State came in 30th, and Eastern Florida finished 32nd. The Lakehawks battled well within the group, showing steady improvement against their regional rivals.
Sophomore Spencer Palmer led the way for the Lakehawks in 27:36. His brother Elijah Palmer continues to gain back time, finishing in 28:01.
Thatcher Clarke ran a strong race in the third position for Lake-Sumter with a 29:14 finish. Bryce Blalock had a breakthrough performance, running a huge personal best to break the 30-minute barrier in 29:31.
Close behind, Cohen Hartley clocked 29:45, just shy of his personal best. Freshman Noah Kaegi (30:33) and Issa Issaku (30:17) continue to make strides as well.
"This was not an easy course, but our guys competed with heart. Spencer led the way, and I was encouraged by the toughness our freshmen showed in the middle of the pack."
"Bryce and Owen both set PRs, and breaking 30 minutes here is step forward for Bryce. The experience of lining up against top programs will only make us better as we head into the Alligator Lake Invite and prepare for regionals," said Coach Snellgroves.
The Lakehawks will be back on the course on Friday, Oct. 3 in Lake City, Fla. for the Alligator Lake Invitational, the team's final tune-up before the 2025 FCSAA Cross Country Championships at the end of the month.
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