HAMMOND-Running through the muddy ground and pouring rain, the Southern University cross country team ran their last meet before Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship.
“This was a refreshing tune up meet. We got a chance to work on our speed instead of our distance. When you are getting ready for your conference championship, this is what you want to do,” said Johnny Thomas, SU men’s and women’s cross country head coach.
The meet was short and sweet for both squads. There were four men teams competing, running only three miles. Southeastern Louisiana University placed first, Southern placed second, University of New Orleans placed third and Nicholl’s State University placed fourth.
The women ran a short two miles, competing against two other teams. The Lady Jags placed third, placing behind second place Southeastern and first place Nicholls State.
“I was pleased because our men beat UNO for the second week in a row and…our number five man ran exceptionally well this week,” said Thomas
Junior Charles Moon placed fourth with the time of 16 minutes, and 37.75 seconds. Following in fifth was freshman Darnell Parker who has been consistence in his running all year. Stepping up for the first time this year and showing great improvement was fifth-man Rashad Cave. Overall, the men are where they need to be as a team defending their SWAC title.
“I feel confident in the team and where we are. I am just concerned about how well the course for SWAC will be mapped out,” said sophomore Rayla Hunt, who placed seventh with the time of 13:15.59.
Coming in fifth was usual top leader sophomore Erikka Thomas, and following a few runners behind in 13th place was freshmen Jovanni Anderson. Running exceptionally well was Aisha Harris, Natasha Bradshaw and Brandy Angram. The women have formed a bond of togetherness that has been hard for the other SWAC teams to break down.
“As of now, our men are running with the very best in the SWAC and I expect them to place in the top three; I expect the women to finish in the top five and will be very disappointed if they don’t place as such,” said Thomas
The Jags last meet and week of practice has been through the rain and mud, so the SWAC Championships on October 4th in Jackson, Miss. will only bring the challenge and competition that the squads have been readily prepared for.
