Cross Country Places Third; Akin Takes Individual Title

Greenville, South Carolina- The Golden Tigers cross-country team opened the 2025 season with an individual championship and an overall third-place finish at the Bruins Night XC Classic on Friday.

Junior Averie Akin started the new season with an overall first-place finish to pace the Golden Tigers. The Bethlehem, Ga. native ran a time of 14:56.85 in the 4K race to outpace second place Ahna Hicks (University of North Georgia) by over eight seconds to claim her first individual title of the season.

Fellow junior Victoria Woods also had an outstanding first meet with an 18th-place finish in a time of 16:22.82. Three freshmen started their collegiate careers with strong performances as De'Nya Reynolds (16:26.87), Paula Battermann (16:26.98), and Kendall Goetzman (17:15.17) placed 21st, 23rd, and 39th, respectively, while junior newcomer Ellie Kinlaw added a 43rd place finish in 17:22.02. Junior Gladys Blanco Choque also ran a time of 18:29.24 for 74th place.

In total, the squad placed 3rd overall out of 13 teams with 95 points. North Georgia placed first with 29 points, while Mars Hill (NC) College took second place with 60 points.

AAC rivals Columbia (SC) College earned 4th place (154 points), while Truett McConnell (Ga.) placed 10th (240 points). 

For full meet results, click here. 

The squad next races at the University of North Georgia Invitational on September 12th.