FSCJ Cross Country Shows Off Record-Breaking Potential at Apalachee Regional Park

FSCJ men's and women's cross country teams in the gym
November 4, 2024

An early start time with favorable temperatures set the stage for a remarkable performance from the men's and women's cross country teams at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahasee, Florida last weekend. With a well-prepared group of runners, the Manta Rays displayed grit and determination as almost every athlete smashed their personal best times on one of the sport's most demanding courses.

In the Men's 8,000m, it was Benjamin Hale leading the charge with a standout run, as he once again set the tone in acheiving a personal best of 27:39. Hale's time not only secured the team a 4th-place finish but also moved him up to third on the FSCJ men's all-time 8k leaderboard - outperforming the previous mark held by his older brother, former FSCJ standout Joe Hale.

"This breakout performance by Ben sets a high standard for future Manta Rays runners," said head coach Jody Hale.

Behind Hale, a series of impressive finishes put the spotlight on the team's toughness and determination. Cole Fleming notched a new personal record as he crossed the line in 29:19, while Camden Budd cut almost a full minute from his personal best en route to finishing 29:32. The team continued to excel as Kaydan Bowie trimmed over a minute off his previous best, finishing at 29:50, closely followed by team captain Gershom Allen, who shattered his own record with a 29:53. Freshman Noah Looney also joined the sub-30 club, slicing 28 seconds off his time to finish in 29:57, while Aiden Taggart completed his first 8k with a strong 29:58. Rounding out the top seven was Spencer Middleton who dropped a massive 1:56 to finish at 30:14.

The men's team recorded an impressive average time of 29:14 to once again finish in the top half of a talented region.

"What this squad achieved today is a testament to the hard work and camaraderie shared across the roster," said Hale.

With the sun climbing higher as the Women's 5,000m race got underway, the FSCJ women's team were up to the challenge. Led by team captain Zahir Miller, who posted a season-best 22:52, were Zoe Weaver, Gemma Neeld, Ashtyn Parsons, Ellie Cardozo, Ava Banks, and Felicity Tipton, with the team recording an average time of 23:32 and a tight pack time of 1:09 to finish in seventh-place.

Reflecting on the team's performance, Coach Jody Hale was thrilled with the results. "This team continues to impress me every time they race. The commitment they show to improving is incredible, and it's evident in the times they posted today. They push each other to be their best, and that energy is contagious. I couldn't be prouder of what they accomplished on a tough course."

With these performances, both the men's and women's teams look ready to compete in the upcoming NJCAA National Cross Country Championships on Saturday November 9th at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, VA.

"These runners are well-positioned to achieve even more personal bests, and I look forward to seeing them make their mark on that course and add to the history of our cross country program," said Hale.

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