Women 5th, Men 10th At SAC XC Championship
Carson-Newman cross country capped off its fall season with a strong showing at the South Atlantic Conference Championship, highlighted by top-five and top-ten team finishes and multiple individual honors
VIDEO: Kiereionna Wilson Interview
VIDEO: Jenna Pittman Interview
VIDEO: Andrew Thompson Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman cross country wrapped up its season at the South Atlantic Conference Cross Country Championship on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Kinser Park Golf Course in Greeneville, Tenn.
The Eagles came into the meet well-prepared after several focused weeks of training and recovery. Having raced the same course at the SAC Preview earlier in the season, both teams entered the championship with a clear sense of the terrain and strategy needed to compete.
SAC Championship Meet Results HERE.
"Everybody obviously showed up today and we have talked all week about the nature of this course and racing people and not the clock," said head coach Brent Borden. "We had grit and determination being better than the team next to you and our ladies really showed that today."
The women's team put together one of its best performances of the year, finishing fifth overall in the team standings. Running together with a strong pack mentality, the group moved up in the SAC rankings and proved themselves against a field stacked with nationally ranked programs. The men's team secured a tenth-place finish, showing consistency and resilience despite missing a few pieces from their usual lineup.
"I think we all did solid and we did a lot of hill-work to help prepare us for the course," said Kiereionna Wilson. "Jenn and I did a lot of preparation during practices and made a pact to push us both to where we're at."
It was a day full of standout moments for the Eagles. Jenna Pittman and Kiereionna Wilson both earned All-SAC honors for their top finishes, capping off impressive seasons that reflected their hard work and determination. Pittman was also recognized with the SAC Elite 23 Award, presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA competing at each of the league's 23 championship events.
"I was just talking to my mom about how much homework I have next week," Pittman joked about receiving the award. "I'm super grateful and I'm happy that the SAC honors people that do work hard in academics as well."
On the men's side, Andrew Thompson and Wesly Thomas led the way, putting together solid runs on what proved to be one of the most challenging courses of the season.
"It was absurdly hilly," said Andrew Thompson. "Having the SAC Preview helped us know what was coming, and sometimes that helps and sometimes it can fill you with dread…but it's a conference meet, so we came out and competed the best that we could."
With the conference meet complete, Carson-Newman now turns its attention to the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Championships, set for Saturday, Nov. 8, at Wingate University's Cross Country Course in Wingate, N.C. The team will look to build on its progress and finish the fall season strong.
Stay connected with Carson-Newman cross country by following @CN_Eagles on X and Instagram, or by liking Carson-Newman Athletics on Facebook. For more information and updates, visit cneagles.com.
