SALEM, VA (October 27, 2022) – The Claflin University men’s and women’s cross county teams saved some of their best performances for when it counted the most with some great showings at the 2022 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Cross Country Championship Meet. The Panthers placed fifth in the team standings while the Lady Panthers finished eighth in the women’s standings.
As a team, the Panthers showed some terrific growth as they finished two places higher than last season’s finish at the conference championship meet. The team totaled 124 points, just one point behind the fourth placed Lincoln (Pa.) Lions. Claflin freshman Reginald Gore led the way for the Panthers with a 16th placed finish in the men’s 8K run. He finished the meet with a season-best 29:14.4. Senior Caleb Patterson added a 20th place finish when he ran a 29:37.8. Freshman Jakarriez Sanders added a 25th place finish with a 30:34.9.
“The men’s team did well. Every set a PR (personal record) and ran their best. That’s all I can ask for,” said Claflin University Cross Country Head Coach Garon Jackson. “We have a very young team, and we got a lot better. Now our training and focus will move to the indoor track & field season.”
The Lady Panthers also saw some impressive individual performances in the women’s 5K run. The team totaled 184 points to finish eighth in the final standings. Sophomore Madison McDonald continued to lead the Lady Panthers as she placed 10th individually and earned a spot on the CIAA All-Conference team for the second season in a row. She ran a 20:18. Freshman Skyler Andrews added a 40th place finish when she ran a 24:10.7. Senior Nytajah Smalls placed 44th when the 24:52.9.
“The women’s team was led by Madison, who once again made the all-conference team,” Jackson added. “The rest of the team did well, but we are only as strong as the number five person and today, she struggled, but now we will focus on the indoor track & field season.”
With the 2022 cross country season complete, the Lady Panthers and Panthers will continue to compete as members of the Claflin University Indoor Track & Field Teams. For more information on Claflin University cross country, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.