In a thrilling display of determination, the Central State University men's cross country team secured a second place at the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Championships held on Saturday. With a team score of 88 points, the Marauders showcased one of their best races of the year with all runners securing PR's. The Marauders ran hard but fell to a very talented Morehouse team, who finished first with 38 points.
Morehouse's Brian Kemei led the pack, finishing first with an impressive time of 24:14.94, a pace that set a demanding standard for his competitors. Central State's QiAden Marks made a significant impact, crossing the finish line in fifth place with a time of 26:46.03. Marks' strong performance was pivotal in keeping the team competitive throughout the race.
Joining Marks in the top finishers was teammate Andrew Drumwright, who placed 10th overall with a time of 27:05.69. Their efforts, alongside solid performances from Alex Payne (17th, 28:17.76) and Qimarreon Marks (27th, 29:47.17), underscored the team's depth and collective spirit.
Tuskegee followed closely behind Central State in the team standings, finishing with a score of 90. The narrow margin between the teams added an extra layer of excitement to the competition, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of cross country racing.
Central State's head coach praised the team's effort, stating, "I am incredibly proud of how our guys performed today. We trained hard for this, and seeing the results pay off in a strong second-place finish is a testament to their dedication and teamwork."
As the dust settles on this year's championships, Central State will look to build on this success as they prepare for the future. The camaraderie and grit displayed by the Marauders will serve as a strong foundation as they strive for even greater achievements.
With this impressive finish at the SIAC Championships, the Central State men's cross country team has not only established themselves as a formidable force within the conference but has also ignited excitement for what lies ahead for indoor and outdoor track.
