ROCK HILL, SC (Sept. 18, 2021) – The Claflin University men’s cross-country team continued to show some improvement with an impressive showing at the 2021 Winthrop/Adidas Cross Country Invitational, Saturday morning. The Panthers’ performance was especially encouraging as they team had the best score among the three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) teams at the meet.
The performance was just a hint towards what is looking like a bright future for the Panthers’ cross-country teams. “The team ran well,” said Claflin University men’s and women’s cross country head coach Garon Jackson said following the meet. “We just need to get everyone healthy so we will rest and recover this week and be ready for October 2nd.”
As a team, the Panthers totaled 344 points in the meet. For the second week in a row, it was sophomore Caleb Patterson who led the Panthers’ squad. His 31:37.16 was the top time for the team. Junior LaCarlos Watlington added a 36:07.14 while freshman Clarence Smith, III had a strong showing in the first men’s 8K run of his career. He ran a 37:09.90 to round out the Panthers’ top three.
The Panthers will return to action on October 2nd when the team takes part in the Columbia College Classic.