FSCJ Men's Cross Country hold the 1st place trophy they earned at Alligator Lake on October 3, 2025.
October 6, 2025

FSCJ Men’s Cross Country Triumphs at Alligator Lake as PR Parade Powers Win

Lake City, FL — The Florida State College at Jacksonville men cross country team executed a near-flawless race plan on the flat, lightning-fast Alligator Lake course, not only toppling a ranked opponent but rewriting their own program history in the process.
Leading the charge was Benjamin Hale, who shattered his personal best with a blazing 27:22 over 8,000 meters — a performance that anchored a wave of breakthrough efforts. Behind him, Cole Fleming, Aiden Taggart, Noah Blake Looney, Edward Julian, David Beasley, and Matt Leitheiser all posted personal records, turning the meet into a Manta Ray masterclass.

The team's average time of 28:26 marks the fastest collective performance since the men's program was resurrected in 2018, while a tight pack spread of just 2:02 gives FSCJ a strategic edge heading into championship season.

"The men did a great job of executing the race plan," said head coach Jody Hale. "Seven personal records, a win over a nationally ranked team and Mei Chiang remains undefeated by FCSAA Region 8 rivals."

Chiang Leads the Charge as Women Shine in Third

In the women's 5,000 meters, Mei Chiang continued her remarkable season with a second-place finish, maintaining her unbeaten streak against NJCAA Region 8 competitors.
The women's team claimed third place overall, fueled by standout efforts across the lineup:

  • Ellie Cardozo clocked a personal record,
  • Leilani Ortega Sandoval and Krista Lovely delivered season's bests,
    cementing the squad's status as a rising force in the state.

Looking Ahead: Championship Form on the Horizon

With momentum building and confidence soaring, the Manta Rays now set their sights on next week's Florida Gateway College XC Invitational, a rematch on the same course — and a crucial test against some of the toughest opponents they'll face all season. The women's 5k starts at 8:30 a.m. and the men's 8k begins at 9:00 a.m.

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