SPARTANBURG, S.C. - CIU men's and women's cross country started their 2023 season with a race in the Upstate of South Carolina at the Converse Kick-Off Saturday morning. The Rams competed against teams from multiple divisions, including NCAA DII, DIII, and NAIA. 

The women's team had the second highest finish among NAIA competition the event with a time of 2:14:36. Lydia Willhite led the way with a time of 24:56.3, while Rosemary Reed was not far behind with a time of 25:29.9. Willhite's time landed her a spot as an individual NCCAA qualifier. 

Jordan Wray followed, finishing in 26:46.7, while Bethany Rymer finished just ten seconds later for the Rams.

Shoshannah Crompton and Olivia Tanchak closed things out for the women's team, clocking in for a final time of 30:26.2 and 31:00.2, respectively. 

The men's team also had the second fastest time compared to their NAIA competition, recording a time of 2:31:11. Joey Canning led the men's team in his first race in Ram's uniform with a time of 29:33.4. 

Nathaniel Long, Joel Baumgarten, and Gavin Barfield were all close behind, finishing neck and neck with each other (30:05.3, 30:19.3, 30:26.8). Spencer Evans finished soon after with a time of 30:45.6, and Spencer Dyke closed out CIU's competition with a 36:14.2 ending time. 

CIU Director of Track & Field Tim Thompson commented on both teams: "It was a really good season opener! The women's team was just off qualifying for NCCAA Nationals, and the men's overall time was as fast as their conference team time. I'm glad to see they are picking up right where they left off!" 

Up Next: Both teams will compete in the 2023 Akiah McMillan Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 30. This will be their second appearance in this race hosted by cross-town rival Columbia College (S.C.).