September 12, 2025
Cross Country Keeps Pace with Nation's Best at Southern Showcase
The Tennessee Tech men's and women's cross country teams went up against the best programs in the nation at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama, on Friday.
By Jeff Bowe, TTU Media Relations
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Tennessee Tech men's and women's cross country teams went up against the best programs in the nation at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama, on Friday.
The men's team finished 17th in the 8k, and the women's team finished 22nd against top teams from across the country. Due to a time-keeping glitch at the finish, the times were reviewed and have now been made official.
"Overall, it was a step in the right direction for both squads, but we have a number of points to work on as the season progresses," – Head Coach Peter Dalton.
The men's and women's cross country teams competed against the top teams from across the country in the Southern Showcase on Friday. Zak Myles-Hawkins led the men's squad with a time of 24:52.91 to finish first on the team. On the women's side, sophomore Rylee Wells led the team with a time of 17:52.25 to pace the women's squad in the 5k.
Naomy Lokiles finished second on the women's team with a time of 18:11.64, Makaleigh Jessee finished third on the team with a time of 18:14.96 (personal best), Joy Jepleting finished fourth on the team (18:30.08), and Jane Lokiles finished fifth on the team (18:51.71).
The women's team finished 23rd overall in a stacked field of some of the nation's top racers.
Carter Bradford finished second for the men with a time of 25:08.57, Luca Gambling finished third on the team with a time of 25:15.51, Cruz Hesling finished fourth on the team with a time of 25:33.96, and Nic Chambers finished fifth for the men's team (25:38.42).
The men's team finished 19th overall among the nation's elite. The overall results can be found here.
NEXT UP
The Golden Eagles cross country team is back on the run again at the Live in Lou Classic hosted by Louisville in Kentucky, on Saturday, Oct. 4.
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