FSCJ Men’s Cross Country Triumphs at Alligator Lake as PR Parade Powers Win
Lake City, FL — The Florida State College at Jacksonville men cross country team executed a near-flawless race plan on the flat, lightning-fast Alligator Lake course, not only toppling a ranked opponent but rewriting their own program history in the process.
Leading the charge was Benjamin Hale, who shattered his personal best with a blazing 27:22 over 8,000 meters — a performance that anchored a wave of breakthrough efforts. Behind him, Cole Fleming, Aiden Taggart, Noah Blake Looney, Edward Julian, David Beasley, and Matt Leitheiser all posted personal records, turning the meet into a Manta Ray masterclass.
The team's average time of 28:26 marks the fastest collective performance since the men's program was resurrected in 2018, while a tight pack spread of just 2:02 gives FSCJ a strategic edge heading into championship season.
"The men did a great job of executing the race plan," said head coach Jody Hale. "Seven personal records, a win over a nationally ranked team and Mei Chiang remains undefeated by FCSAA Region 8 rivals."
Chiang Leads the Charge as Women Shine in Third
In the women's 5,000 meters, Mei Chiang continued her remarkable season with a second-place finish, maintaining her unbeaten streak against NJCAA Region 8 competitors.
The women's team claimed third place overall, fueled by standout efforts across the lineup:
- Ellie Cardozo clocked a personal record,
- Leilani Ortega Sandoval and Krista Lovely delivered season's bests,
cementing the squad's status as a rising force in the state.
Looking Ahead: Championship Form on the Horizon
With momentum building and confidence soaring, the Manta Rays now set their sights on next week's Florida Gateway College XC Invitational, a rematch on the same course — and a crucial test against some of the toughest opponents they'll face all season. The women's 5k starts at 8:30 a.m. and the men's 8k begins at 9:00 a.m.
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