Senior Joane Pierre broke the 6k program record in earning a spot to the NCAA Championships to lead the JU cross country teams Friday at the NCAA South Region meet.
Pierre broke her own 6k record she set in Tallahassee earlier this year with a 20:22.1 for seventh place to secure her berth in the national championships next weekend.
Not to be outdone, junior Svenja Meyer posted the second-fastest 6k program time at 21:35.5 (63rd).
“We have so many things to be proud of with today’s race,” JU head coach Ron Grigg said. “It is a milestone for Joanne to qualify individually for the NCAA Championships. Four of the five women racing had lifetime bests. That was a perfect way for Amalia (Vogler) and Morgan (Keel) to end their cross-country careers at Jacksonville University.”
Senior Morgan Keel ran a time of 22:45.1(132nd) which moves her to 11th all-time on the program 6K list. Senior Amalia Vogler recorded the 13th fastest 6k time during her final race in 23:08.2 (147th). Sophomore Sarah Bailey ran a time of 24:04.1 (175th) to round out the JU women’s group.
On the men’s side, freshman Nick Dale posted a time of 35:56.3 (167th) in his first NCAA meet.
“Nick gained valuable experience racing in his first cross country 10k race,” Grigg said. “Today’s race will pay off in the future years.”
Pierre will compete at the NCAA Championships Nov. 17 in Louisville, Ky.
