The UNA cross country program wrapped up the regular season with a standout performance in a field packed with SEC heavyweights and national contenders at the University of Alabama’s Crimson Classic on Oct. 17.
Kenyan Brian Bett led the men’s squad with a ninth-place individual finish of 189 runners in the 8K race with a time of 23:59.9, marking his sixth career top-five time. The men’s team placed 10th of 20 other schools, finishing ahead of power programs like Auburn and Miami.
Bett was also the highest Atlantic Sun Conference finisher, besting all other league competitors in a field that included North Florida and Central Arkansas.
Vincent Chepkwony finished 50th, Aidan Shannon 86th, Jack Gruber 93rd, and Sammy Sang 119th.
On the women’s side, Sandra Mayo posted a 20:49.8 on a 5.8K course. Her 29th-place individual finish led the Lions, who placed overall 21st of 23 teams, 65 points ahead of in-state rival Troy University.
Next for the Lions is the ASUN Championship on Oct. 31 in Jacksonville, Fla. Last year, Bett made history by bringing home UNA’s first-ever ASUN Championship win in the Division I era.
