AU men finish second in Boone meet, prepare for Louisville event
By Christian Austin | Sports writer
The Augusta University Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams are moving into an important stretch of their season after strong results at the Fire Tower Project, hosted by Appalachian State in Boone, N.C.
Both teams gained valuable experience and confidence as they prepare for their upcoming Louisville (Ky.) Classic on Oct. 5.
The men's team had a standout performance, finishing second overall and claiming the top spot among NCAA Division II teams. Competing against mainly Division I programs, the Jaguars finished with a total time of 2:02:55 and an average time of 24:35. This performance highlighted the team’s depth and skill.
Leading the way for Augusta was senior Avery Jaynes, who placed third overall with a time of 23 minutes and 59 second. Less than a handful of AU runners have ever broken the 24-minute barrier in the 8-kilometer race (nearly five miles). Jaynes, who had strong performances in the Peach Belt and Southeast regional meets last year, is the reigning PBC runner of the year. He also made the all-region team last year.
“Running a fast time, especially a PR, at the beginning of the season always feels special,” Jaynes said.
Jaynes was followed by Tripp Miller, who finished eighth in 24:32.4, and Jordan Robertson, who took 10th with a time of 24:40.1.
AU’s Patrick Motes and Andrew Todd placed 13th and 14th, respectively. Brandon Martin rounded out the Jaguar top six, finishing 16th in 24:57.8.
With this strong finish against DI teams, the AU men are eager to compete in Louisville, where they will face tough competition from across the country.
“I think the most important task for Louisville is to get ready to race hard and fast,” said Motes, a senior. “It’s a championship-style race. This race is fast, and the competition is high just like nationals will be. I think the best part is this is a mock nationals meet for us. This year’s nationals' course is fast just like the one we will be racing on in a couple weeks here now. If you trust in yourself and the training you’ve put in then all the pieces will come together.”
Jaynes looks forward to the competitive nature of the Kentucky race.
“Louisville is definitely one of those races where we really want to preform well,” he said. “The best way to prepare for it is keeping our heads down and going to work. We don’t want to put too much pressure on thinking about it right now. When the time comes we’ll get ready and know what to do. This is a special team and to be apart of it has been one of the best experiences of my life.”
The Augusta women’s team also had a solid performance, finishing sixth overall at the Boone meet. Competing in a challenging field, the Jaguars completed the 6K race with a total time of 1:53:27, averaging 22:41 per runner.
Emily McBride led the AU women with a 23rd-place finish, clocking in at 21:58.6. Madison Kennedy was close behind, finishing 24th at 21:59.7.
Maria Biondollilo and Caroline Pierce finished 44th and 46th, with times of 22:56.5 and 23:06.0, respectively, while Sophia Cook completed the top five at 23:27.4, finishing 60th.
With the big meet in Louisville on Oct. 5, some runners from Augusta will also compete this weekend (Sept. 28) at a separate meet at Georgia College, giving the second team an opportunity to race. These upcoming meets are important as both teams look to build momentum for the rest of the season.
Contact Christian Austin at chaustin@augusta.edu.
AU's Avery Jaynes prepares to run in the Boone, N.C., meet, in which he broke the 24-minute barrier for the 8K. The Jaguars now look toward the Louisville Classic on Oct. 5. (photo by Churchill Ezeokonkwo) At the top of the page, Jaynes was followed by teammates Tripp Miller, who finished eighth in 24:32.4, and Jordan Robertson, who took 10th in 24:40.1. (file photo)
