GMC JC Cross Country team got their season started on Saturday at the Middle Georgia University Race. According to Coach Rob Sherwood, this was the best performance his Men's and Women's teams have ever had in a season opener.

In the women's race, freshman Nicquelette Fazekas (Dixon, IL) paced the Bulldogs to a 2^nd place team finish as she crossed the line in third place, just 13 seconds out of second, with a time of 21:36. Fellow freshman, Paige White (McRae, GA) finished in 7th place with a time of 23:20. These two times were fast enough to qualify for the NJCAA National Championship in November.  The remaining scoring runners for the women were Stephanie Trejo (14^th, 27:03), Jennifer Trejo (23^rd, 31:51), and Gabriella Aguirre (25^th 34:37). 

In the men's race, GMC again placed 2 in the top 10, finishing 2^nd overall. Freshman, Health McDonald paced the Bulldogs with a strong 3^rd place finish at in a time of 30:20, become the third GMC runner to qualify for the NJCAA National Championship out of this race. Daniel Turnipseed placed 7^th with a time of 31:39. Just second's from the NJCAA qualifying time. The men's scoring rounded out by Jacob Cain (13^th, 33:58), Bohanon Meadors (14^th, 34:36), and Daniel Alvizo (20^th, 37:07).    

Saturday's race was the first time outside of the GCAA Conference Championships that the Bulldogs women finished in the top two. Both teams ran well and will gain more strength with the arrival of returners who competed at the NJCAA National Championship race.

Coach Sherwood commented, "Since I have been the coach, we have not had three runners qualify for the National Championship after the first race.  I was, and continue to be, excited for the season." 

The Bulldogs will lace it up again on Friday, September 11th as they host the 2^nd Annual Brickyard Invitational, this event is closed to spectators. Race race results will be posted on the GMC Athletics website at www.gmcbulldogs.com.