CLINTON - On Saturday the Millsaps Men's Cross Country placed 7th as a team in the very first Southern Athletic Association Cross Country Championships held at Choctaw Trails.
"I am very proud of how our men and women competed," commented Head Coach Andy Till. "Our entire women's team and 7 of our 9 men either set new pr's or set a new pr for Choctaw Trails. Their efforts are a testament to how hard they've worked this season and their commitment to one another. I could not ask for anything more, they ran their hearts out."
Sophomore Ben Parva once again led the Majors placing 34th individually. Parva ran exceptionally well setting a new personal record with a time 27:27.
"Ben ran a great race," exclaimed Coach Till. "He is very strong over the final 4km now. Parva is a great captain for this men's team. The men respect him because he backs up his words with action."
Freshmen Jared Allen not far behind Parva finished in 41st individually and posted a solid time 27:40 for the 8km.
"Unfortunately, Jared was sick with strep but he put it behind himself and gave his absolute best effort," says Coach Till. "He's probably the toughest runner I've ever coached."
Freshman Ken Newburger set a new personal record with a time of 28:36 and 53rd overall. Rounding out the Majors were sophomore Sam Martin and sophomore Travis Hebeler. Martin and Hebeler crossed the line 57th and 59th with times of 29:15 and 29:25, respectively. The Majors averaged 28:29 as a team.
It was great having Will Napier back with team," adds Coach Till. "I know his ankle was hurting and that he was not at his best after taking five weeks off but he did not let it get to him. He just lined up and gave it his best effort from beginning to end."
The next race for Millsaps will be the NCAA South/Southeast Regional Championships hosted by Emory University on Saturday November 10th.
Centre College captured the team title with 38 points. Rhodes College was 2nd with 59 points and Hendrix College was 3rd with 94 points.
