Cross Country Continues Strong Start to the Season at Queen City Invite

Friday, September 12

Charlotte, N.C.

4:00 p.m.

University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics

Queen City Invite

9/12/2025 9:22:00 PM | Cross Country

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In the second race of the season, USC Upstate men's and women's cross-country teams traveled to Charlotte for the Queen City Invite. The men's team placed sixth, and the women finished 10th.

Head Coach Carson Blackwelder stated, "The men placed sixth with a good showing. Jud Taylor, Cam Moors, Ian Kelbert, and Connor Herold ran well for our top guys. Women placed 10th with a good overall team performance. Overall, the team is in a good position early in the season. We look forward to 3 weeks of solid training before our next race."

The men's 8k race was led by Ian Kelbert, who finished in the top-20 with a time of 25:37.8. Judson Taylor followed, also finishing in the top-20 with his time of 25:39.3.

Men's Results
17. Ian Kelbert – 25:37
20. Judson Taylor – 25:39
39. Eric Perry – 26:31 (PR)
45. Nick Brooks – 26:38
47. Cameron Moors – 25:41 (PR)
56. Connor Herold – 25:53 (PR)
71. Sam Shimanskiy – 26:10
74. Mason Parish – 27:39
85. Elias Harrison – 28:21
107. Josh Gillis – 26:47 (PR)
174. Jordan Shelton – 28:29 (PR)
211. Landen Barron – 30:14

Jordan Thornton once again led the way for the women's team, posting a sub-20-minute time of 18:07.9, a new personal best. Finishing behind Thornton was Sophia Outhous, who also posted a sub-20-minute time of 19:24.4.

Women's Results
26. Jordan Thornton – 18:07 (PR)
72. Sophia Outhous – 19:24
92. Grace Glassmeyer – 19:29
106. Maureen Ortiz – 20:07 (PR)
108. Alexandra La Rue – 20:13
109. Sofia Strom – 20:13
125. McKinzie Vick – 20:44
144. Gaby Sanchez – 21:24
159. Jada Makis – 22:07
170. Grace Miller – 22:51
190. Emma Grace Kutilek – 25:05

UP Next
The Spartans travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the Live in Lou Classic held October 4th.

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