Florida Cross Country Takes Home First Place at the Stan Sims Cross Country Opener

Gators cross country traveled up to the Peach State and dominated the competition at the Stan Sims Cross Country Opener on Friday morning in Kennesaw, Georgia. Both the men’s and women’s squads took home first place at the meet.

Six women competed at the meet, three of whom made their Florida debuts. Sophomore Isobelle Jones secured the individual title with a time of 17:58.0 (5K). Jones started off hot from the gun. She was in first place through the 1,200-meter mark and held onto the lead for the remainder of the race.

Freshman Maggie McCormick was next across the line with a third-place finish in 18:04.2. Sophomore Keeghan Edwards and freshman Jazlyn Forbes finished fifth and sixth overall, respectively. Junior Ashley Fitzgerald was Florida’s fifth and final scorer, crossing in ninth place overall and contributing to the team’s 24-point victory. Freshman Mary Nesmith was Florida’s sixth runner, finishing 12th overall.

Pack running was key for the women, as all six runners went through the 3,100-meter mark within four seconds of each other.

The men gapped the competition by six points, securing the win with 33 points. Senior Arizona transfer Ian Sanchez Lopez made his Florida debut finishing first for the men’s team and third overall with a 19:32.0 (4 mile).

Florida raced five men, and the remaining four were all junior returners. Jonathan Leon, Geofrey Ronah and Josh Ruiz went fifth, sixth and seventh overall, respectively. Florida’s top four crossed the 5K mark within 0.8 of a second of each other. Riley Novack closed out for the Gators, finishing 12th.

The team went out relaxed, holding onto the 10th-14th place spots through the 1,200-meter mark. Each runner was able to pick off men throughout the race and push up as a pack.

Florida’s next race is scheduled for Sept. 19 in Terre Haute, Indiana, at the John McNichols Invitational. This meet will give the team a preview of the postseason NCAA Championship race site.

Category: Gator Sports, Gators Cross Country