Men's Results | Women's Results

OXFORD – Georgia State University claimed both the men's and women's titles at the JSU/Strut's Cross Country Season Opener on Saturday at the Oxford Lake & Recreation Center.

The JSU women finished third in the six-team field, while the men's team did not score in the event.

Sophomore Ericka Stam led the Jax State contingent with a time of 14 minutes, 19 seconds to place third individually. Newcomer Kevyn Tracy clocked a time of 15:25 and placed 15th. Ashley Stovall registered a mark of 15:35 to place 18th overall. Latasha Sturkie and Ioana Citireag rounded out the scoring for the Gamecocks.

In the men's 5k, JSU had a pair of top 10 finishes from Matt Brick and Nicholaas Tirop. Brick crossed the line in 15:42 (6th), while Tirop posted a time of 15:42 (8th). Norman Steigler (16:41) and Josh Hulsey (16:50) closed out the times for Jax State.

"I thought a few members of our crew competed quite well today but as a whole I am disappointed with our overall showing,” said JSU head coach Steve Ray. We didn't have a men's team score as I held both George and Bethuel Kiplagat out of the race as a precaution due to their nagging injuries but I think Matt and Nick had a very solid first meet showing - and they are only going to get better. On the women's side I was pleased with the effort that Ericka, Kevyn and Latasha put forth.”

JSU returns to competition on Friday, taking part in the Georgia State Invitational.