Oxford, Ala. - The Columbus State University men's and women's cross-country teams opened the 2023 season with solid performances at the Jacksonville State Foothills Invitational on Friday, Sept. 1. 
 
The Lady Cougars' top finisher, Alesia Johnson, led the way for the women, finishing 59th in the 4K race with a time of 16:17.60. Kaeleigh Brooks was the second finisher on the team, placing 70th with a time of 16:34.20. Kat Valenta came in 79th?crossing the line at 16:45.10. Royal Delay and Emily Marin rounded out the top five with times of 16:59.70 and 17:53.80. 

In their first collegiate race, Zoey Roberts, Meghan Koh and Jenna Rolen finished in 128th, 139th?and 163rd out of over 200 runners. 

The Lady Cougars finished fourteenth out of twenty-seven teams, which included Auburn, Troy and Alabama State. 

The men's top finisher was Blake Lewis. Lewis crossed the line at 16:17.50, placing 32nd overall in the 5K race. With a 46th?place finish, Aidan Rush was the second Cougar to cross the line in 16:27.60.?Savian Taylor and Logan Fisher took 64th and 65th place, finishing with times of 16:39.90 and 16:40.50. 

Rounding out the top five was Elijah Sires with a time of 16:48.9, placing 72nd.   Two freshmen made their collegiate debut, Jonah Simpson finishing 118th, and Zane Bell finishing 175th out of over 200 runners. 

The Cougars finished tenth overall out of a field of 28. 

UP NEXT
Columbus State will travel to North Georgia for the UNG Invitational on Friday, Sept. 15. The race is scheduled to start at 5:45 p.m.