Nine Spartans Earn New Personal Bests in the Final Away Race of the Season

Saturday, October 5

Louisville, KY

Men 10:45 a.m./ Women 11:30 a.m.

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

Live in Lou Classic

10/5/2024 6:51:00 PM | Cross Country

LOUISVILLE, KY – USC Upstate cross country finished their final away race of the season on a high note as nine Spartans set new personal bests at the Live in Lou Classic on Saturday morning.

Head coach Carson Blackwelder was extremely happy with the teams' performances saying, "Overall, we had a good day. Beth and Grace had a PR and a lot more left in the tank. Sam broke the 26-minute barrier for the first time. The team is in a good spot to get ready for conference championships. Getting everyone healthy will be a key to the rest of the season."

In the men's 8k race, Sam Shimanskiy led the pack for the second race this season and earned a top-40 finish after posting a sub-26 minute time for the first time in his career. Ian Kelbert cracked a top-50 finish with his time of 25:49.8. Gabe Herron, Eric Perry, and Connor Herrold all set new personal bests at the race. Jason Heusinger set a new PB for the second straight race after getting his new best 8k time at the Converse Kick Off a few weeks ago.

Men's Results (17th overall)

38. Sam Shimanskiy – 25:45.8

50. Ian Kelbert – 25:49.8

105. Gabe Herron – 26:27.3

151. Eric Perry – 26:58.3

184. Connor Herrold – 27:21.3

186. Jason Heusinger – 27:22.3

188. Nick Brooks – 27:22.4

197. Chris Post – 27:34.6

242. Cameron Moors – 28:10.1

274. Elias Harrison – 28:56.2

280. Landen Barren – 29:07.1

The women were back to running a 5k course after running the 6k at the Converse Open. Freshman Beth Ludwick led Upstate's women for the fourth consecutive race. Ludwick set a new personal best with her sub-20 minute run as did Grace Glassmeyer who finished for the Upstate women. Glassmeyer shaved 15 seconds off her previous personal best for a 19:53.4 finish while Ludwick took nine seconds off her time for a 19:10.3 finish. Freshman Sofia Strom had an exceptional finish as well as she cut 10 seconds off her previous 5k best for a 21:01.1 finish. Gabby Sanchez joined her fellow Spartans in the PR club after crossing the finish line with a time of 21:29.4, improving her previous best by 10 seconds.

Women's Results (20th overall)

40. Beth Ludwick– 19:10.3

82. Grace Glassmeyer – 19:53.4

132. Adalie Harrison – 20:36.1

152. Sofia Strom – 21:01.1

157. Maureen Ortiz – 21:07.0

164. McKinzie Vick – 21:17.9

170. Gabby Sanchez – 21:29.4

206. Izzy Miserendino – 22:22.2

Next UP
Upstate will return home to host the annual Josh Lee 5k memorial race Oct. 12, before hosting its final race of the season at Milliken Reseach Center Oct. 19th.

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Josh Lee 5k Memorial- This race is in memory of our dear friend and Spartan Josh Lee. Proceeds from the race will be given to the Josh Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund at USC Upstate. The Scholarship Fund was generously set up by Johnny & Laurie, Josh's parents and it directly benefits the USC Upstate Cross Country and Track & Field programs. Click here for more information and registration for the event.

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