The Jacksonville University Cross Country teams showcased their determination at the ASUN Cross Country Championships at Jacksonville's Cecil Field, concluding their regular season as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA Regionals.
Head Coach Jordan German commented post-race:
"First, I would like to thank the JU community for coming out in full force. It was amazing to have our teams' families, student-athletes, students, alumni, and a lot of the athletic department supporting us. It really meant the world to the team and myself."
In the women's competition,
Mya Bodrato led the Dolphins, finishing 22nd with an impressive time of 17:45.0, just one spot away from earning all-conference honors.
Madeline Weiler followed closely behind in 47th place with a time of 18:45.5, achieving a remarkable sub-19 minute 5K for the first time—an impressive milestone considering she had never broken 20 minutes before 2024.
Jordan Dix and
Alexis Holmes finished with times of 19:05.3 and 19:11.8, respectively, showcasing their competitive spirit.
Eryn Field completed the team's top five with a time of 19:22.3. Coach Garman noted the team's overall improvement from last year, stating, "This was a big improvement compared to last year, which is the most important thing. Everyone who raced today will be returning, so we are really excited to continue building."
On the men's side, JU's squad was led by
Thomas Hellenbrand, who finished 60th with a time of 25:59.0. He was closely followed by
Jack Bolan (26:34.9), Zach Earley (26:40.3),
Ryan Miller (27:01.8), and
Aiden Locantora (27:37.3). Coach Garman remarked on the challenges faced by the men, emphasizing, "I think it speaks volumes that our tough days are now much better than what our good days used to be over the past two decades. We are returning the majority of our team, so the goal will be to continue to build off of this."
The race was dedicated to Morgan's Message, a mental health awareness organization, which added special meaning for all participants. Both JU teams delivered strong performances, highlighting their talent and teamwork as they head into the NCAA Regionals with a renewed sense of purpose.
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The following will be participating in the NCAA Regionals:
Men:
Women:
The NCAA South Regionals will take place on November 15, in Tallahassee, Florida.
With this strong foundation, the Dolphins look forward to continuing their momentum in the next phase of the season.
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