The GCSU Bobcat Invitational held on September 10 served as a GCAA Conference preview. Based on the meet's results, Georgia Military College is in a good position to be successful in the men's and title races this October.
The GMC men's team competed against 17 schools, 4 of which are included in the top 10 schools in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region poll. John Dougherty (Gainsville, FL) ran the fastest time for GMC with a 28:15.3 for the 8k course. He placed 25th, three spots ahead of his brother Adam Dougherty (Gainsville, FL), who ran the course in 28:36.3. Adam had already secured his spot at the NJCAA Division III National Championships with his race last week at the UGA Cross Country Invitational and this week's race enabled his brother John to also qualify and represent GMC at the National Championships. GMC's other runners at the meet included Austin Cook (Cochran, GA), Dominic Roberts (Las Vegas, NV), Amos Prestwood (Eatonton, GA) and Alvaro Garcia (Brooklyn, NY). All of the runners for the men's team improved their times from the UGA Cross Country Invitational last week, with Cook finishing just outside of the time that he needs to qualify for the National Championships. The team finished in 10th place, ahead of all of the other NJCAA schools, as well as some 4 year schools in attendance. In fact, GMC had 4 runners finish before any of the other NJCAA schools had even one runner complete the course. The men are to be commended for an excellent race.
Commenting on the race, Coach Rob Sherwood said, "I am really proud of the student-athletes. Despite the demanding schedule of classes, homework, class projects, part-time jobs, and for some the rigors of the GMC Corps of Cadets, they still find time to excel in Cross Country."
Looking to the future, the GMC Bulldogs run next at the Mercer Julius Johnson Invitational on September 23 at the Children's Industrial Home in Macon, GA.