Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams completed their season by finishing eighth at the NCAA South Regionals on Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn.
Senior Jennifer McPherson led the way for the women’s team, finishing 16th with a time of 21 minutes, 50.5 seconds.
Her finish in the regional event could possibly earn her a spot in the NCAA Championship in Terre Haute, Ind., on Nov. 20.
Sophomore Annie Falor followed behind McPherson by finishing 24th, with a time of 22:08.5.
Falor and McPherson were both rewarded with All-South Region honors.
This is the second time McPherson has received the honor, but the first time for Falor. Only the top 25 earn the All-South Region honor.
Sophomore Michelle Corrigan crossed the line at 22:54.7, while senior Mina Thorstenson and sophomore Nicole Rosetti posted times of 23:20.5 and 23:29.3, respectively.
“The goal was to be in the top five,” women’s head coach Al Schmidt said. “But it is a tough region and to finish in the top 10 is great. We had a great season, with two wins and a fifth place finish at the SEC meet.”
On the men’s side, senior Wade Martin led the way with a time of 32:30.6 in the men’s 10K race.
This is the second season that Martin has led MSU at the NCAA South Regional.
Junior Pad Judd crossed the line at 32:54.4 followed by Travis McKay posting a time of 33:01.3.
“We always like to finish higher than our ranking, but finishing eighth is good after just having the program back four years ago,” men’s head coach Steve Dudley said. “This senior class has set the standard for our program. We are now established as a team in the region. I am so thankful for this group of seniors.”
The University of Georgia Bulldogs captured the women’s team title while the Florida State Seminoles claimed the men’s title.
Both of those teams will represent the South Region at the NCAA Championships next week.