University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics
Upstate Invite
Abrahams and Thornton Lead Spartans at Upstate Invite
10/17/2026 1:37:00 PM | Cross Country
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate men's and women's cross country teams returned to action Saturday morning, hosting the 2026 Upstate Invite at the Roger Milliken Research Center.
The Spartans welcomed a competitive field of programs from across the Southeast as both squads continued their preparations for the upcoming Big South Conference Championships.
On the women's side, senior Jordan Thornton led the Spartans in the 5K competition, crossing the finish line at 18:44.5.. Fellow senior Sophia Outhous followed, finishing with a time of 19:05.6.
Senior Grace Glassmeyer was the third Spartan to cross the finish line, posting a time of 19:22.8.. Junior Sofia Strom followed closely, clocking a time of 19:31.7.
Freshman Alice Taylor rounded out Upstate's top five women's finishers, with a time of 19:34.3. Just 49.8 seconds separated the Spartans' first and fifth runners.
In the men's 8K, freshman Aiden Abrahams paced the Spartans with a time of 25:35.7, the season best for the men's team. Fellow freshman Yariel Ferretti followed, crossing the finish line in 25:52.3.
Senior Eric Perry was Upstate's third finisher, posting a time of 25:56.8.. Junior Nick Brooks followed with a time of 26:01.2.
Junior Jason Heusinger rounded out Upstate's top five men's finishers, crossing the finish line in 26:09.1. The Spartans' five leading runners were separated by just 33.4 seconds.
Saturday's competition gave Upstate another opportunity to compete on its home course against regional opponents as both programs approach the championship portion of their 2026 season.
USC Upstate Women's Top Five – 5K
- Jordan Thornton – 18:44.5
- Sophia Outhous – 19:05.6
- Grace Glassmeyer – 19:22.8
- Sofia Strom – 19:31.7
- Alice Taylor – 19:34.3
USC Upstate Men's Top Five – 8K
- Aiden Abrahams – 25:35.7
- Yariel Ferretti – 25:52.3
- Eric Perry – 25:56.8
- Nick Brooks – 26:01.2
- Jason Heusinger – 26:09.1
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