OAKWOOD, Ga. – Running in the Division II Regional Championships at the University of North Georgia, the Newberry men's and women's cross country teams finished 17th and 19th out of 29 teams in their respective races.

Three Wolves on the men's side earned the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 spots in the Newberry record book for the 10k, including Kevin Kipkosgei and freshmen Tyler Shumate and Wyatt Strickland.

Kipkosgei's time was 32:10.70; Shumate's was 32:40.60; and Strickland clocked in at 33:49.80.

The previous 10k record holder was Nathan Collier in 2012, whose time was 34:08.50.

"The growth and development and how far we've come in one year is really incredible," Head Coach Scott Hutchinson said, alluding to the fact that Newberry didn't compete in the regional championships a season ago. "This was a great experience for our team."

Jonah Wendland (34:44.60) finished fourth for the Wolves for the eighth fastest 10k in Newberry history, and Drew Benson (35:54.50) was the final Newberry scorer.

Also running Saturday were Braylon Reier and Hunter Heron, who ran times of 37:00.30 and 38:16.60.

"What an amazing group of young athletes we have," Director of Track and Field/XC Jimmy Stephens said. "So proud of their effort and performances this fall! This was our first time going to Southeast Regionals since I've been here, and I'm extremely proud of how they competed!"

For the Wolves' women, Alaya Lindquist led the way in 24:46.10 for the fourth best 6k time in Newberry history. Freshman Grace Jellow's time of 25:19.90 is the ninth fastest 6k time in school history.

Josie Langtry finished in 25:46.40, and Sage Bowen, 26:31.40. Running her final race as a Wolf, Ahja Amos was the final placer for the Wolves with a time of 26:54.90.

Haley Culver and Jade Weber also represented the Scarlet and Gray, finishing in 27:43.40 and 28:41.50, respectively.

"I told the team, it's not how you start but how you finish the season," Coach Hutchinson said. "I didn't see any quit in anyone today. They got after it and competed against 29 teams on each side. I am very proud of their effort."

Coach Stevens added: "Coach Hutchinson has built a great young group that is only going to get better under his leadership. We're working on some more great young talent to join this group.

"I also truly can't say enough about how our seniors have stepped up and led this program. Ahja and Alaya have had a rough go with Covid and having three different coaches over the last four years. They bought in and really stepped up. Kevin has been an incredible addition to our program and an outstanding leader as well!"

Coach Hutchinson concluded: "It was an honor to coach this team, and the future is really bright for the Wolves!"