N. C. A&T’s cross-country team accomplished their best times while competing at the HBCU Challenge in Carey, N. C. this past weekend.

Overall the men’s team placed second with an average time of 28:46. The women’s team placed 5th with an average score of 21:16. “How they performed this weekend is how I would like them to perform at all meets,” said Coach Duane Ross, as he explained his runners’ performance and how they owned the track and stepped up as a team.

Christian Harrison, sophomore Business Management major from Glenarden, Md. and Saeed Jones, Civil Engineering major from Winton, N.C., led their team despite horrible weather conditions and wounded spirits from the last cross country event to produce personal bests.

“I’ve never led a team before, but what I did this weekend proves my team and I can run with the big name schools,” said Jones.

All eleven team runners, six females in the 5k (3.1 miles) and five males in the 8k (5 miles), accomplished their fastest times in their respective events. The meet provided an opportunity to showcase the growth the athletes have made. The coaching staff said the meet was a step toward A&T becoming the first HBCU to become Division I in cross-country.

The cross-country coaching staff has a mission to create a championship program and give stability and structure to the team. Coach Ross’ motto for the season is “The journey has just began, it is nowhere close to over.” He has a plan to take the cross-country team to the next level.

The team and coaches want support from Aggie Nation to accomplish their goals. The next cross-country event will be Saturday Oct. 6 at the Hagan Stone XC Classic. The Aggie men’s team will run at 9:30 a.m., and the women’s team will run at 10:15a.m., right here in Greensboro.

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• Alanna Goddard, Contributor