Cross Country Set To Compete in Big South Championship
10/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Live Results
CONWAY - The Coastal Carolina men's and women's cross country teams will both be competing for conference titles at Saturday morning's 2015 Big South Cross Country Championships. Presbyterian will host the meet at the Milliken Center in Spartanburg, S.C.
The men's 8K will begin at 10:30 a.m., as the Chants chase their first Big South crown since 1996. The women's 5K will follow at 11:30 a.m., with the Lady Chants looking for their 14th Big South title. They earned their last title in 2013.
Women's Preview
The Coastal Carolina women's team will be chasing their 14th Big South title since 2013, on Saturday. The team placed fifth overall last year, finishing with three runners in the top 10.
The Lady Chants are returning those three runners who placed in the top 10 as well as fourth place finisher, Rachel Byrd. The South African trio, Letitia Saayman, Anyslee van Graan and Kyla van Graan have paced the Chants throughout the year going 1-2-3 for the Chants in every race so far.
Saayman, the senior leader of the team, has paced the Chanticleers in each race this year. With three first place finishes, one third place and a top 20 finish in the Pre-National meet, Saayman has earned the Big South runner of the Week Honor four times this season.
Teammates Kyla van Graan, Aynslee van Graan and Rachel Byrd have made solid progressions throughout the year, each recording a personal best time this season at the Pre-National meet as well. Kayla Tracy and Taylor Creagh have also made solid advances this year.
The women's team is coming off their best race, the Pre-National meet, with each runner recording a personal best.
Men's Preview
The Coastal Carolina men's team are seeking their first Big South title since 1996 on Saturday. The team placed seventh overall last year in the Big South Championships. To this date, the men have only won three Big South titles which were in 1993, 1995 and 1996.
This season the Chanticleers have been led by freshman Josh Small, who has crossed the finish line first in every race for CCU. Small ran his best race at the Royals Cross Country Challenge with a time of 26:11.
Following closely behind Small's lead, is Zach Hensel, Riaz Tyler and Elijah Shaw who have all made solid progressions throughout the year, each recording a best time this season at the Royals Cross Country Challenge. Jarrett Ashby has also made solid advances this year.
Views From Coach Jacobs
Head coach Jeffery Jacobs has high hopes for the women's team this weekend.
"I believe the women can win the championship this year, but it is going to take a great race and effort from each of our runners to achieve that goal," head coach Jacobs said.
Looking at the overall competition, Jacob's is expecting Coastal to compete in both the men's and women's races.
"The team race will be very competitive between ourselves, High Point (the defending champs), Liberty and Asheville is in the mix as well," said Coach Jacobs. "Individually Letitia has had a phenomenal season to date and is the favorite but will face a stiff challenge from Kurgat (Liberty). Kyla and Aynslee should be in the top 4 as well."
Coach believes the preparation and time the team has put in will display throughout the race this weekend.
"We're hoping for our best team races of the season and that the athletes are rewarded for all of their hard training and dedication this year."
