Spartans Cross Country Has a Historic Day at the Big South Championship

Friday, November 1

Charleston, S.C.

11:00 A.M.

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

Big South Championships

11/1/2024 9:12:00 PM | Cross Country

CHARLESTON S.C. – Cross Country competed in the Men's and Women's Big South Championship this morning, with both teams finishing sixth place overall. Nine Spartans set new personal bests.

Head Coach Carson Blackwelder was proud of the team and results, stating "Overall a great day for the team. We had some huge PRs and great racing".

In the women's 5k, freshman Beth Ludwick led the Spartans, setting a new personal best of 18:07.4, ranking her fourth all-time in school history. Ludwick moved up throughout the race, outsprinting a competitor to finish 14th, securing Big South Second Team All-Conference honors. Sophomore Jordan Thornton finished in the top 20, also setting a new personal best with a time of 18:15.7, ranking her sixth all-time in school history.

Women's Times (6th Overall):
14. Beth Ludwick – 18:07.4 – PR
18. Jordan Thornton - 18:15.7 – PR
38. Grace Glassmeyer - 19:10.4 - PR
62. Adalie Harrison - 20:04.9
66. McKinzie Vick - 20:30.6 - PR
67. Gabby Sanchez - 20:36.9
68. Maureen Ortiz - 20:41.8 - PR
72. Sofia Strom - 21:20.5
75. Izzy Miserendino - 22:23.9
76. Grace Miller - 22:32.6

The men's 8k race was once again highlighted by Sam Shimanskiy, who cracked a top-20 finish, shaving off 20 seconds from his previous personal best. His time of 25:18.3 moves him to fifth all-time in school history. He was followed by freshman Nick Brooks, who cracked a top-50 finish with his new personal best.

Men's Times (6^th Overall):
19. Sam Shimanskiy - 25:18.3 - PR
37. Nick Brooks - 26:29.0 - PR
39. Jason Heusinger - 26:33.9
40. Eric Perry - 26:37.0 - PR
41. Cameron Moors - 26:37.1 - PR
46. Carter Sexton - 27:01.4
51. Chris Post - 27:12.7
52. Gabe Herron - 27:15.2
69. Connor Herold - 29:14.7

Big South Men's and Women's Cross Country All-Academic Teams
Also recognized after the race were the Big South Men's and Women's Cross Country All-Academic Teams. Sophomore Grace Glassmeyer earned a spot on the women's team, with a 4.0 GPA, double majoring in Experimental Psychology and Economics/Finance. Junior Sam Shimanskiy earned a spot on the men's team, with a 3.8 GPA in Computer Science.

UP Next
The Spartans look to use this momentum as they head to the NCAA Division I Southeast Regionals on November 15th.

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