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 both the men's and women's title races this October.
The GMC women's cross country team competed against a field of 17 schools that included 4 of the top 10 schools in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region poll. Unlike last week, the women's race slightly longer - a 6k instead of a 5k. Destenee Hernandez (Merrit Island, FL) led the way for GMC with a time of 30:59. She was the 2nd fastest NJCAA runner at the meet. Sierra Brower was 2nd for the team with a time of 32:34. Other runners for GMC were Sarah Conners (LaGrange, GA), Taliso Soto (Gainesville, GA), Jamacia Mitchell (Eastman, GA), Jessica Hurtado (Grovetown, GA), and Lucy Pitts (Chantilly, VA). Hernandez finished just outside of the time that she needs to qualify for the National Championships. The Lady Bulldogs were also joined by Alicia Santiago (Hinesville, GA) who was unable to finish the race due to injury. The team finished in 14th place, ahead of all of the other NJCAA schools. The women's team had a great race and are to be lauded for their hard work.
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.