The South Alabama Jaguars women’s cross country team achieved a second place finish at the Azalea City Classic, held in Mobile, Alabama. Junior Charleen Elizondo led the women’s squad with a personal best time of 17:17.8 in the 5k event. This performance marked her second consecutive individual title at the Classic and extended South Alabama’s streak to 11 straight years with a women’s individual champion at this meet.
Elizondo improved her previous best by nine seconds. Other top finishers for the Jaguars included Samantha Menikheim (sixth place), Tyndal Ann Griffith (eighth), and Kate Miller (ninth). The women’s team placed behind New Orleans, which finished first.
Head coach Parker Cowles commented on the team’s showing: “I was pleased with the women’s race, we have to bring the depth if we’re gonna be successful. Charleen ran terrific today and continued to prove she can be a top competitor in the Sun Belt.”
On the men’s side, Xavier Johnson led South Alabama to a first-place team victory in the 7k race, finishing second individually with a time of 22:45.0, five seconds behind Mason Appleton of New Orleans. Six Jaguar runners placed in the top ten, including Carson Barlow (fourth), Brady Keller (sixth), Tyler Doty (seventh), Amos Pkemoi (eighth), and JD Wine (ninth).
Coach Cowles also noted: “The men’s side is rounding into shape. There’s a lot of talent. Our freshmen have been incredible. Xavier Johnson has been a leader and shown his impact as a competitor. Brady Keller and JD Wine have stepped up and it’s good to see the depth.”
South Alabama’s men topped their competition with 27 points, ahead of New Orleans (52) and Troy (61). The women finished with 45 points.
For further information about South Alabama Track & Field/Cross Country or to follow updates, visit usajaguars.com or their official social media channels.
