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FGC runners Emma Jeffers (from left), Morgan Wilson, India Williamson, Sarah Simpson, Ashlyn Speigner and Roxxi Ottum at the NJCAA National Championships. (COURTESY)
HUNTSVILLE, ALA.—The Florida Gateway College women secured their highest-ever finish at the NJCAA National Championships on Saturday, placing 10th with a collective score of 292 at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama.
Leading the charge for FGC was standout freshman and Columbia High alum Sarah Simpson, who clocked in at an impressive school-record of 20:15.50 to place 52nd. Hot on Simpson's heels was another standout freshman, Roxxi Ottum, who crossed the finish line with a commendable time of 20:15.70 to finish 53rd.
Also scoring for the Timberwolves were Morgan Wilson in 74th (20:41.20), Emma Jeffers in 85th (20:53.30), India Williamson in 97th (21:05.80) and Ashlyn Speigner in 201st (23:38.90).
“Coming into the season last August, I did not expect that this team would reset our FGC women’s cross country record books,” FGC head coach April Morse said. “The only known quantity I had was our two returnees. By the end of the season, we had two ladies under the school record, four personal records and all had season bests.
“Two months ago, on this same course, I was gushing about having four ladies under 22 minutes for the 5K and one in the low 22s. Now at Nationals, we had four under 21 minutes and one in at 21:05, so close to having all five under 21. Our top five team average of 20:38 with a spread of only 50 seconds is a bellwether of a team’s strength.”
FGC men’s team also competed in its first national championship since the team’s reestablishment this year. The Wolves finished 29th overall in the Men’s 8K with a team score of 821, led by Branford High alum Justin Hernandez in 108th (27:53.60).
Other runners for the FGC men were Caleb Tilford in 151st (28:51.10), Kaden Reed in 217th (31:04.50), Jerrett Davis in 227th (31:29.30), Randall Luke in 256th (33:23.00) and Peyton Dude in 280th (36:00.70).