Lakehawk Cross Country Takes Third at Region 8 Championship
16 Lakehawks posted new PRs
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Cross Country) – The Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) men's and women's cross country teams returned to Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla. to compete at the 2024 Florida College System Athletic Association (FCSAA) / National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 8 Cross Country Championships. The men's team took third while the women's team placed eighth with 16 Lakehawks posting new personal records (PR).
The men's race kicked off the event at 8 a.m. followed by the women's race at 9 a.m.
In the men's race, freshman Spencer Palmer led the Lakehawks with a remarkable PR of 27:33, placing 10th overall. Sophomore Connor Parrish followed close behind, achieving his own PR of 28:31.8, placing 16th.
With 10 Lakehawks achieving new PRs including the top-6 breaking 30 minutes, the team secured a third-place finish after, reigning champion, Daytona State College and Pasco-Hernando State College.
Head Coach Cristy Snellgroves shared her thoughts, "The men's team has shown incredible resilience this season, pushing hard in training and staying committed despite a challenging schedule. With some of our races cancelled or out-of-reach due to hurricanes, they have faced obstacles, but remained focused on their goals."
"I am extremely proud of their dedication and the growth they have shown as individuals and as a team. Their hard work is paying off and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish at nationals," said Coach Snellgroves.
The Lakehawk women began not long after the men's race. The team demonstrated impressive progress with Oksanna Smith and Alexis Hume setting the pace for the Lakehawks with nearly identical times of 22:24.1 and 22:24.3.
Kristina Varada clocked in a 24:19, a significant improvement from her opening race time of 30:20 in August. Sade Lee also hit a new PR with a time of 24:48, over 10 minutes shaved off since August.
With the national championship on the horizon, Coach Snellgroves celebrates the team's hard work and consistent improvement throughout the season. "I could not be prouder of the hard work these women have shown this season."
"They have put in the time, consistently pushing themselves to grow with each practice and race, and the results speak volumes. Beyond individual gains, they have built a strong, supportive team culture that is a joy to watch and I am excited to see them bring that same spirit to the national championship race," said Coach Snellgroves.
The Lakehawks will now prepare for their final meet of the season, the 2024 NJCAA Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships in Richmond, Va. on Saturday, Nov. 9
Final Results – Men
10. Spencer Palmer – 27:33.7 (PR)
16. Connor Parrish – 28:31.8 (PR)
18. Dylan Royal – 29:05.5
20. Thatcher Clarke – 29:18.3 (PR)
25. Cohen Hartley – 29:36.8 (PR)
Jovanni Matos – 29:48.5 (PR)
Anthoney Allen – 30:20.8 (PR)
Luca Watson – 30:52.8 (PR)
Darwin Vega Ramos – 32:22.2 (PR)
Joaquin Francis – 32:22.2
Owen Kingery – 32:50.9 (PR)
Bryce Blalock – 34:13.7
Maurice Walker – 35:09.9 (PR)
Joshua Cargill – 35:14.2
Final Results – Women
20. Oksanna Smith – 22:24.1 (PR)
21. Alexis Hume – 22:24.3 (PR)
50. Kristina Varada – 24:19.9 (PR)
57. Sade Lee – 24:48.7 (PR)
62. Demaris Soto – 25:38.4
Emma Santiago – 27:26.5
Victoria Silva – 27:58.9
Madeleine McKenna – 30:07.8
Andrea Morales-Moncada – 30:36.4 (PR)
Isabella Zamudio – 34:55.0 (PR)
Follow the Lakehawks
The Lakehawk men's and women's cross country teams will prepare for the 2024 NJCAA Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships in Richmond, Va. on Saturday, Nov. 9.
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