UT Southern makes history with men’s SSAC cross country championship, women finish second

CLINTON, Miss. – The No. 7 University of Tennessee Southern men’s cross country team made program history Friday morning, winning the Southern States Athletic Conference championship in Clinton, Mississippi. The Firehawks women finished runner-up for the second consecutive year, led by an individual title from junior Vera Maisaje.

Men’s race

The Firehawks scored 32 points to beat runner-up Mobile (42) and third-place Loyola New Orleans (59), placing four runners in the top seven and seven in the top 21.

Senior Spencer Head led UT Southern with a runner-up finish in 25:03.2 on the 8K course. Sophomore Frankline Kipruto, the reigning NAIA National Runner of the Week, placed third to earn All-Conference honors. Junior Bruno Villazon (fifth), sophomore Martin VanHamme (seventh) and junior Amon Rotich (15th) completed the scoring five.

The title caps a standout fall for the Firehawks, who reached a program-best No. 6 national ranking and set multiple school records.

Women’s race

UT Southern scored 49 points to finish behind William Carey (41) and ahead of Loyola New Orleans (71), Mobile (101) and Blue Mountain Christian (118).

Maisaje won the 6K race in 22:28.8, more than 11 seconds ahead of the runner-up. Senior Alyssa Andrea earned All-Conference honors in fourth, and freshman Uxue Armas Diaz placed ninth to give the Firehawks three top-10 finishers. Junior Lou-Anne Bernard (14th) and senior Amelia Worsley (21st) rounded out the scoring five.

With four runners in the top 14 and seven in the top 30, the Firehawks earned another conference runner-up trophy and reinforced their standing among the SSAC’s elite programs.

Fans and supporters can help the UT Southern Firehawks continue their success by making a gift to the UT Southern cross country program here.