HAMPTON, Ga. – The Columbus State University Cross-Country programs turned in standout performances at the Clark Atlanta University Panther Invitational, with the women capturing the team title and the men earning a strong runner-up finish.

On the women's side, CSU dominated the field behind a powerful pack effort. Layla Albright set the tone by winning the individual title in 21:20.61, followed closely by Noah Griffeth (21:30.86) and Emmalee Johnson (21:57.81) to sweep the top three spots. 

Anna Norton added a fifth-place finish in 22:11.34, while Elizabeth Harris crossed sixth at 22:33.36 to complete CSU's scoring five, all within the top six. 
Depth proved crucial, as Reese Moss (8th, 23:11.14), Anna Petellar (11th, 24:01.02), and Zoie Mertz (14th, 25:27.81) also finished inside the top 15, cementing the Cougars' commanding team championship.

The men also made their mark with a balanced, competitive showing that secured second place overall. Blake Lewis paced CSU with a third-place finish in 27:42.12, while Mark Ravenscraft was right behind in fourth at 27:46.57. 

Owen Hartshorn added a sixth-place effort in 28:41.19, and James Harrelson finished ninth in 29:35.96 to keep the Cougars near the top of the standings. 

Tucker Hancock rounded out the scoring five in 11th place at 30:13.96, with strong support from Logan Terwilliger (12th), Daniel Leonard (13th), and Caleb Weaver (16th) to showcase CSU's depth. 

The performance highlighted the men's ability to compete as a cohesive unit, setting the tone for the next stage of the season.

Up Next
The Cougars will turn their attention to the Peach Belt Conference Championship on Saturday, October 25, in Milledgeville, Ga.