Southern University women’s cross country team claimed a win and the men’s team placed second at the Jackson State University Invitational in Clinton, Miss. on Saturday.
Under the leadership of junior Erikka Thomas, the Lady Jaguars low winning score was 39.
“It feels good right now. From what I have seen, I feel good about the position I am in now. I try to get out good, keep a nice pace and finish hard,” Thomas said.
Alabama State beat the SU men’s team by a low 43-52.
The Jags had an opportunity to get a small taste of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship by running at the site where the meet will be held and against four SWAC teams.
Alabama State, Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff were also at the meet.
“The women had an exceptional meet and the men did not run well. Our number one runner, senior Charles Moon, finished in ninth place,” said Johnny Thomas, SU men’s and women’s cross country head coach.” Of course there were some unattached professional runners and he (Moon) was 6th. He did not run his usual race.”
Thomas ran her personal best time this season and the invitational best time at 20:29. Behind her were runners from MVSU and UAPB runners placing second and third, respectively.
SU junior Rayla Hunt placed 4th, running in at 21:48. Other SU team members that followed were sophomore Jovanni Anderson 9th place at 22:19 and freshman Fantashia Cooper, who came in 10th place with a time 22:20.
Moon’s time was 28:40 and freshman Erik Henneghan continued to astonish everyone by surpassing his older teammates coming in right behind Moon at 29:13.
Three other Jags placed in the top ten.
On October 6, Southern will participate in the Northwestern State University Invitational in Natchitoches.
“Natchitoches will be a tough meet. A lot of the athletes are older and mature, so this will be a good workout,” Thomas said.
Also a favorite to win the SWAC championship are defending men’s and women’s champions, Grambling State. SU has not ran against them this season.
