Both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Teams claimed the Appalachian Athletic Conference championship this weekend after wrapping up their fall season on Saturday.
Aaron Jones won the overall individual title for a second time and led his team to win the 2021 Championship. The team began with their 8K run, with Jones winning the race by a record of 24:26. Will Stockley and Nathan Baker finished second and third.
“Both individually and team-wise, the race experience was great,” said sophomore Eli Cramer who finished fifth in the race. “The atmosphere was electric, as a lot of our parents came to the race, as well as former teammates.”
The women’s team was led by Alyssa Bearzi, Lemi Wutz and Avery DeWolf Burton who finished first, second and third. Not only did Bearzi win the AAC individual 5k title, but also claimed AAC Runner of the Year honors.
The Lady Buffs, who won their 16th AAC championship since 2003, also finished with five of the seven top finishers during the race, taking home the team title.
“It was a chilly morning and a pretty muddy course, but it was nice to have spectators to cheer for us,” said Burton. “Last year only a few were allowed so we were used to running alone. It makes a difference to have people to cheer for you.”
Up next, the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams will head to Vancouver, Wash. on Nov. 19 to run at the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country National Championships.