TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (October 9, 2026) – The University of North Alabama cross country programs competed in the FSU Pre-Regional race Friday morning at Apalachee Park in Tallahassee, Fla. The men finished fourth and the women finished eighth.

The Lions had to perservere the brutal weather conditions as the Southeast prepares for Hurricane Isaias. With 12 mph winds and 89 percent humidity, the Lions battled through the circumstances and even celebrated some personal bests.

Junior Brian Bett led the way for the men's team, placing sixth and earning five points for the Lions with a time of 25:29.5.

The next Lion to finish was Vincent Chepkwony. Chepkwony finished 12th with a time of 26:03.7. Following him was Nathan Buckeridge placing 21st with a time of 26:25.6.

Sophomore Jack Gruber and senior Brent Lyons round out the scoring five for the Lions. Gruber placed 26th with a time of 26:34.4, and Lyons placed 34th with a time of 26:53.0.

Three Lions on the men's team had a season-best 8K time. Lincoln Smith, Josh Webb and Rogan Hanson all had a personal best today. Smith's time was 27:03.7, Webb's time was 27:08.2 and Hanson ran a time of 27:15.0.

The men scored 92 points with an average time of 26:17.3. This was the third-best team average. UNA was one second behind Flagler in team average.

For the women, this was the first 6K of the 2026 season. Junior Sandra Maiyo crossed first for the Lions with a time of 23:55.6 earning herself 44th place. Behind her was senior Taylor Williams placing 56th with a time of 24:26.0.

Junior transfer Alexis Renn ran 24:46.4 placing 64th. Scoring in the fourth spot for the Lions was Lillie Meeks as her finishing efforts pushed her past five other runners, landing her a time of 25:07.2. Concluding the scoring five was freshman Katie Dumas as she ran a 6K time of 25:07.9. Senior runner Savannah Williams ran a personal best 6K time of 25:18.4.

The women scored 241 points with an average team time of 24:40.7. The women's team beat some respected Division I opponents including Alabama State, Jacksonville and UCF.

For the men, Jacksonville State placed first with a dominant score of 23 points. Following them was Flagler and Florida State. The men's team saw victory over Troy, Tampa, Florida Atlantic and Alabama State.

For the women, Tampa placed first followed by Jacksonville State, Florida State, Florida Atlantic, Flagler, Florida A&M and Troy.

UNA will race again in one week at home on Friday, Oct. 16. The Lions will host their second home meet of the season at McFarland Park course for the Kennemer Classic.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.