Gabriel Savage, Staff Writer

The SIAC Cross-Country Championship meet was held in Rock Hill, SC on October 25th. Our Maroon Tigers, after months of preparation, traveled 237 miles to put their hard work to the test. 

Members of the cross-country team can often be sighted running endlessly in the grassy fields, south of the Edwin C. Moses Track. Day in and day out, they sacrifice time and energy to bring a good name to mother Morehouse. 

On the day of the meet, conditions were perfect for running. The wind was calm, the sun was shining and the temperature was just right for the eight-kilometer course ahead. 

Against other schools in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) with great running programs such as Benedict College and Savannah State University, Morehouse earned themselves a respected fourth place finish. Senior Collins Kiplomo came in 13th (27.51.1) and Freshman Mykal Hogue (Reed) trailed just behind him in 15th (27:58.9).

The story of this team is rebuilding. Having only three upperclassmen on the team puts the pressure on the freshmen to help carry the team to success. 

“These guys exemplify Morehouse being at its best,” Head coach of the Cross-Country and Track & Field teams at Morehouse coach Willie Hill said.

Freshman runners Hogue, Johndell Cumberbatch, and Andre Jones all finished in the top 40% of all competitors that day. This shows how much potential this team has. Although coaches are not allowed to be involved in training during the off-season, coach Hill is adamant about the boys working hard to keep up their prescribed mileage to maintain positive growth. 

The entire cross-country team would like to thank all those supporting the team at the college. Coverage of the team’s performance at the NCAA Division II Regional meet is coming soon. You can stay updated with all things Morehouse Athletics here at The Maroon Tiger.