Men's Cross Country | October 11, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-- The Clayton State University cross country teams competed in the Royals XC Challenge on Friday afternoon, hosted by Queen's University. The women's team achieved a commendable 8th place finish, and the men's team demonstrated impressive effort throughout the competition finishing in 19^th place in the faster race. Washington & Lee won the women's race while XC powerhouse Wingate, who were the reigning National Champions, earned the team victory in the men's race. 
 

WOMEN'S RACE
Leading the way for the Lakers was Story Alexander.  Alexander placed 23rd overall with a time of 20:12.06.  Story was the lone top 25 finisher for the Lakers. Following closely were Marley Tate and Ivorie Smith, who finished in 29th and 38th place, clocking times of 20:22.33 and 20:38.15, respectively.  Tate's time was good for a new season best. JaBresha Palmer and Kalkidan Hawkins rounded out the top five finishers for the Lakers, crossing the finish line in 90^th and 91^st, respectively. The women's team collectively scored 213 points, securing their 8th place finish.
 
Below is the full list of finishers for the Lakers:
23^rd: Story Alexander: 20:12.06
29^th: Marley Tate: 20:22.33
38^th: Ivorie Smith: 20;38.15
90^th: JaBresha Palmer: 22:38.74
91^st: Kalkidan Hawkins: 22:39.34
131^st: Brianna Eggleston: 25:58.23
153^rd: Ashley Morris: 30:03.52
 
 
MEN'S RACE
One the men's side, junior captain Camron Gaddis was the top finisher for the Lakers, placing 93rd with a time of 26:11.9. Gaddis' time is the 13th fastest time in program history.  He was followed by Emanuel Dixon and Rakiem Barnes, who finished in 130th and 135th places, with times of 26:58.3 and 26:59.5, respectively. Both, in addition to Gaddis, achieved PRs in the race. Sophomore Nehemiah Horton placed 167th with a time of 28:01.4.  That time was also good for a PR. Rounding out the top five for the Lakers was Mykell Strickland finishing in 173^rd with a time of 28:24.43.
 
Below is the full list of finishers for the Lakers:
93rd:  Camron Gaddis: 26:11.85*
129^th: Emanuel Dixon: 28:58.23*
135^th: Rakiem Barnes: 26:59.5*
164^th: Nehemiah Horton: 28:01.39*
173^rd: Mykell Strickland: 28:24.43
175^th: James Morrow: 28:26.29*
194^th: Sancho Smith: 31:54.49
 
*Personal Best time

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers compete in the Peach Belt Conference Championships, hosted by the University of North Georgia, on Saturday, October 26^th.  The men's race is set for 9 a.m. while the women's race is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Please visit claytonstatesports.com for live links and meet information regarding this Championship. 
 
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