FARMVILLE, Va.  – USC Upstate men's and women's cross country traveled to Longwood for the Big South Championship. The men's team finished in fourth place overall, marking their highest finish in a Big South Championship to date.

Head Coach Carson Blackwelder was proud of how the men's team performed, stating, "The guys have had a great season and capped it off with a 4th place finish.   The race went out quick and they had to move up later in the race, but they were able to move up and put themselves in a good spot during the 4th and 5th miles."

Leading the way for the men's 8k was none other than Sam Shimanskiy. Finishing in 11^th place, Shimanskiy is the first men's cross-country runner since Upstate has been a member of the Big South to receive all-conference honors. His time of 25:28 helped secure a spot on the Big South All-Conference Second Team. Shimanskiy also excelled academically this season. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA as a graduate student, he earned a spot on the Big South All-Academic Team.

Coach Blackwelder stated, "Sam did a great job of executing the race plan.  He put himself in the top 14 and stayed there.  In the later stages of the race, he was able to move up a couple spots to 11th.   He had a great finish and helped the team, and earned a medal in the process."

Another highlight of the men's race was Joshua Gillis receiving the Big South Men's Newcomer of the Year award. Gillis becomes the first men's cross country runner since Upstate has been in the Big South to receive the award.

Men's Results
11. Sam Shimanskiy – 25:28.0
26. Ian Kelbert – 26:11.2
28. Mason Parish – 26:16.4
30. Nick Brooks – 26:24.0
31. Cameron Moors – 26:25.8
38. Connor Herold – 26:40.6
41. Eric Perry – 26:49.8
50. Joshua Gillis – 27:30.5
53. Judson Taylor – 27:38.7
73. Elias Harrison – 29:29.5
 
Jordan Thornton lead the Spartans in the women's 5k. Thornton finished in 12^th place, earning Big South Second Team All-Conference Honors with her time of 18:21.1.

Coach Blackwelder stated, "Jordan went after it today.  She went out strong and put herself with the top group.  She has done a great job of putting herself in the mix of top runners and challenging herself." 

Gaby Sanchez earned a spot on the Big South All-Academic Team with her 4.0 GPA in biology.

Women's Results
14. Jordan Thornton – 18:21.1
42. Sophia Outhous – 19:25.0
50. Grace Glassmeyer – 19:46.1
54. Alexandra La Rue – 19:54.9
64. Maureen Ortiz – 20:25.1
68. Sofia Strom – 21:01.7
69. McKenzie Vick – 21:29.8
72. Gaby Sanchez – 21:54.1
74. Arabella Brownlee – 22:05.1
75. Grace Miller – 22:28.9

UP Next for the Spartans
The Spartans will prepare for the NCAA Southeast Regional held in Charlottesville, Virginia on November 14.

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