SSAC Cross Country Championship Is In The Books

VARNELL, Ga. - The Dalton State cross country teams had great day at the Southern States Athletic Conference Championships at Grove Level North Park in Varnell, GA on Friday morning.

The women's team narrowly finished second behind winner Blue Mountain. All-American Emily Poole took home the individual championship for the second straight year with a time of 18:24. Ana Karen Padilla was the next Roadrunner over the line in a time of 20:03, good for 7th place. Senior Natalie Hensley followed in eighth with a time of 20:04. Nayeli Jacobo and Gloria Pascual were the last counting scores for the Lady Birds, finishing in 9th and 11th respectively.

Individually, the Lady Roadrunners will have three representatives at the National Championships in Elsah, IL. Emily Poole will have the chance to repeat as an All-American. She will be joined by Ana Karen Padilla and Natalie Hensley.

The men's team ran strong as well. Freshman Ryan Gebelein came across the line third in 26:53. David Murillo was the second Roadrunner to cross the finish line. Murillo brought it home eighth in a time of 27:42. Junior Saddoth Fraire finished 12th in 28:23. Devin Swafford ran strong to an 18th place finish. Sophomore Cole Thornton was the final score for the Roadrunners in 27th.

Ryan Gebelein will represent Dalton State at the National Championships as an individual qualifier.

With the conclusion of the team season, coach Margie Bruner will now work to get her individuals ready for the NAIA Cross Country National Championship to be held at North Farm Cross Country Course in Elsah, IL on November 19.

dsroadrunners.com, your source for Dalton State athletic news

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Players Mentioned

Nayeli Jacobo: 5' 2"; Junior

Gloria Pascual: 5' 1"; Junior

Cole Thornton: Sophomore

Emily Poole: Sophomore

David Murillo: Freshman

Devin Swafford: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Nayeli Jacobo
: 5' 2"; Junior

Gloria Pascual
: 5' 1"; Junior

Cole Thornton
: Sophomore

Emily Poole
: Sophomore

David Murillo
: Freshman

Devin Swafford
: Freshman