CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Running in their final meet before the South Atlantic Conference championships, the Newberry College cross country teams had another impressive showing this afternoon at the Royals XC Challenge.

The women's team finished fifth out of 30-plus teams in their race while the men finished seventh out of over 30.

"Phenomenal day today. So proud," Head Cross Country Coach Scott Hutchinson said. "Over 30 teams toed the line – to be fifth and seventh for our team is pretty phenomenal.

"We're on the right track. Hopefully they're starting to believe in themselves as much as I believe in them. It's a mental game. We have no fear at all," Coach Hutchinson said.

Alaya Lindquist led the Wolves' pack on the women's side, finishing 26th overall in a deep field of 180. Lindquist ran a time of 20:34.03 on the 5K course.

Also breaking the 21-minute mark was freshman Grace Jellow in 43rd. Jellow's time was 20:59.70.

Ahja Amos crossed the stripe third for the Wolves in 21:32.22. She was followed by Haley Culver (22:14.46) and Josie Langtry (22:53.22) who were the final two scorers for the Wolves. Sage Bowen played the role of displacer, ensuring the Wolves finished in the top-five by beating an Erskine scorer by two spots.

"What a difference a year makes. This young group keeps taking steps forward and are executing in an exceptional manner," Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Jimmy Stephens said.

Kevin Kipkosgei, who etched his name in the Newberry record book last time out with the sixth-fastest 8K time in school history, turned in the ninth-fastest 8K time in school history today. Beating nearly 200 runners by finishing 17th out of 216, Kipkosgei's time was 27:20.06.

Freshman Tyler Shumate was close behind Kipkosgei in 19th place, turning in a time of 27:24.29 – the 10th-fastest 8K time in Newberry's history.

"Taking those steps forward in every aspect of our program is what we want, and the Distance Crew has taken it to heart and is beginning to believe and execute," Coach Stephens said. "I think I've said it for every meet this year – I'm so proud of this group of runners and Coach Hutchinson, and the progress that they are making!"

Drew Benson was the next Wolf in 47th, with a time of 28:40.96. Following Benson and completing the Wolves' scoring was Jonah Wendland (28:58.14) and Braylon Reier (30:09.15).

"We're really young and the future is bright. We're really coming together as a team as we approach championships time. It's been great to have leadership from Ahja, Alli and Alaya. Kevin has been a great leader too," Coach Hutchinson concluded.

The Wolves will now turn their attention to the SAC Championships meet which takes place on Saturday, Oct. 21 in Newton, North Carolina.