CLERMONT, Fla. (Cross Country) – Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) men's and women's cross country has announced their 2023 race schedule. The Lakehawks have 7-meet schedule, including the 2023 Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA)/Region 8 Championship and the 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Championship.
The Lakehawks finished the 2022 season in Tallahassee, Fla. at the 2022 NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. The men's team posted an eighth-place team finish, the highest finish in the program's short history.
Sophomore Caleb Melendez was the fastest Lakehawk at the national meet, as well as the fastest runner among Region 8 teams in competition.
In the field of 226 runners, Melendez posted a 20th place finish recording a 19-second 8,000-meter personal record (PR) of 26:51.9. He was named an NJCAA Cross Country Coaches Association All-American for placing in the top-15 percent.
The women's team completed their 2022 season at the FCSAA/Region 8 meet in Tallahassee, Fla., where they posted a sixth-place team finish.
Sophomore Lily Novac was the leader for the Lakehawks a field of 58 runners. She posted a 5,000-meter time of 23:02.1, finishing the season with a new PR.
Head coach Cristy Snellgroves in her fifth season leading the Lakehawks shares her excitement to get back on the course this fall, "Every new season comes with new potential, and we have a young, enthusiastic team brimming with talent.
"We look forward for the 2023 men's and women's cross country teams to carry on the tradition of excellence on the course and in the classroom," said Coach Snellgroves.
Lakehawk cross country will open the 2023 season in Daytona Beach, Fla. at the Daytona State College Relay. From there, they will run four meets before their post-season run.
The FCSAA/Region 8 Cross Country Championship returns to Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla. on Tuesday, Oct. 24 where both teams will compete for a program-first Region 8 title. Then, on Saturday, November 11, the teams will travel to Huntsville, Ala. for the 2023 NJCAA Men's & Women's Cross Country Championships, which will be held at John Hunt Park.
Up next for the Lakehawks
Lakehawk cross country will open the 2023 season in Daytona Beach, Fla. at the Daytona State College Relay at Frank Rendon Park. The men will take off at 6:30 p.m. followed by the women at 7:00 p.m.
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