Tiger Sports Spotlight

Aniecia Brewster
MC Contributor/Staff Writer

Even though it was Jackson State University’s Homecoming, the men and women’s cross-country team still had to handle business at the Mississippi College Choctaw Trails for the big championship.

The Tigers went up against nine schools from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) including: Alcorn State University, Southern University, Alabama State University, Alabama A&M University, Mississippi Valley State University, Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Grambling State University.

The JSU men’s cross country finished fourth by running an 8K (4.9 miles).  James Curtis (27:10) finished 5th for JSU. Eclecius Franklin (27:55), Rahiim Aponte (28:17), Jacques Williams III (28:27), Raheem Skinner (28:46), and Darrion Hampton (29:24) also finished strong for JSU.

The men’s race started quickly from the sound of the horn. Instantly the teams were in a big pack to get them in the mix to help their team win the race.

“I was a little disappointed because I thought both teams had a chance to finish higher. The guys had an excellent chance to win and the girls should have had the top four. Overall both teams performed well and we had a good season training and racing,” said Mark Thorne, head coach for JSU men’s cross-country and track and field teams.

The women’s cross-country team followed by running a 5K (3.11 miles.) JSU’s women’s team finished sixth, with Stherline Silencieux (20:45), Akeilia Knight (21:23), D’Andrea Eashmond (21:54), A’Kendra Lewis (22:55), Aniecia Brewster (23:02) and Feniece Boone (24:44) finishing strong for JSU.

“Overall, the ladies showed improvement. Last year we placed 9th and this year we improved three spots. Everyone is stronger and more prepared for indoor and outdoor season. Cross-country set the tone for the remainder of the season,” said Chapin Payne, JSU women’s assistant coach.

James Curtis, a senior social work major from New Jersey made first team all-conference and was honored with a plaque for coming in the top five. Curtis has been leading the men’s cross-country team with his great performances during the past cross-country meets. 

“Honestly it’s a big accomplishment. I learned so much about myself and my teammates. I’m just so happy to be able to do what I love on a college level and continue to mold myself as a better individual. It’s nothing but a blessing that makes me be a better athlete,” said Curtis.

He added: “Getting all-conference first team is really major to me also because all I did this summer was train and work with little down time but I would say I really was in my cocoon this summer. For me to be able to finish top five just gives me motivation to believe in myself for everything I know and have and also be blessed around others.”

After the meet, teams were waiting patiently for the results to see who took the 2015 title. Unfortunately the men teams had to wait since a coach protested the results.

JSU’s men’s team was in third place before the protest and got bumped down to fourth place after they reviewed runners crossing the line for Alabama State and JSU.

On the women’s side, Alabama State won with 15 points to take first place with Prairie View following up behind with 85 points to take second place and Texas Southern University with 119 point to place third.

For the men’s side, Grambling State won with 62 points to take first place with Texas Southern following up behind with 65 points to take second place and Alabama State with 83 point to place third.