HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Wallace State’s cross-country teams are Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) champions for the third consecutive season, both cruising to the titles at Huntsville’s John Hunt Park over the weekend.
Wallace State’s men’s team, ranked seventh nationally, accounted for seven of the top eight finishers in the 8K, including the 2020 individual ACCC champion Jonathan Jenkins.
For the sixth-ranked women, the Lady Lions secured spots 2-6 in the 5K, paced by individual runner-up Jennifer Aviles, Jaycee Biffle and Juliana Ballew.
“This has been a tough year and all of our runners have been on board. We’ve tried to go the extra mile to stay safe, remain in our bubble and not let outside influences distract us. Our team has handled those challenges well,” said Wallace State coach Stan Narewski. “Each runner has improved throughout the course of the year. Both teams deserve this championship.”
Wallace State’s men’s program has now won eight conference titles, while the women have won five.
Wallace State’s men won the championship in dominating fashion. Jenkins, a sophomore from Beauregard, finished with a 26:48.03, continuing his strong sophomore season. He was named the 2020 ACCC Runner of the Year.
Jenkins has registered Wallace State’s top finish in four meets this season.
“It’s a huge accomplishment for us to win. We push each other to be the best we can be. It has been challenging and stressful at times this season, but we’re a strong team,” Jenkins said. “We believe we have unfinished business. We have two weeks to prepare to make noise at nationals.”
Added Narewski: “Jonathan Jenkins has been tremendous for us and has developed into a true leader over the past month.”
Jenkins and fellow sophomore Taylor Nails finished among the top eight at the conference meet for second straight season.
Nails finished runner-up, clocking in at 27:42.75 for the Lions, while freshman Raleigh Stamps was third with a 27:57.38. Trentan Williams secured the fourth spot with a 28:02.29.
Rounding out the top eight were Marion Military Institute’s Orrin Miller and Wallace State’s Dakota Sheppard (28:39.31), Jikori James (28:45.71) and Jonathan Collett (28:46.08).
Blake Terry finished 10th overall for the Lions, clocking in at 28:59.56. Sophomore Dave Hubert was 14th (30:19.18), Cole Akridge (31:01.55) placed 17th and Jason Manstream recorded a 32:05.18.
“We’ll try to show out again in two weeks. We’re grateful to be able to run. We’re the only Wallace State team competing for a championship this fall,” Nails said. “We’ve worked hard and balanced staying in the bubble, training and online school.”
For the Wallace State women, Aviles, Biffle and Cassidy Winter have proved to be a strong combination in 2020 with each finishing at the top of the pack for the Lady Lions all season. Sophomore Juliana Ballew threw her name into the mix at the conference meet.
Aviles placed as the individual runner-up with a 21:11.12, followed by Biffle (3rd) with a 21:18.27, Ballew (4th) with a 21:39.06 and Winter (5th) with a 21:42.65.
“Jennifer, Jaycee and Cassidy are all freshmen and will continue to improve. All three have a chance to run in the low 19s next season, and if they do that, someone big will scoop them up,” Narewski said. “I’m also proud of Juliana’s finish.”
Wallace State also secured the sixth and seventh spots respectively with Breanna Smith clocking in at 21:45.07 and Ally Amerson at 21:48.90.
Rounding out the field for the women were Maggie Graham (22:47.86), Katie O’Malley (23:53.41) and Logan Ayers (25:39.07).
Aviles, a Cullman grad, was impressive in her first ACCC championship meet.
“I’ve felt stronger the past few weeks after battling some injuries. I went out and tried to maintain a steady pace,” Aviles said. “I’m proud of how hard our team has worked.”
Narewski was named the 2020 ACCC Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year.
“Our runners have stayed positive and trained hard. I credit (assistant coach) Tony Crider for maintaining that atmosphere and appreciate trainer Katy Chauvin for keeping us healthy. They’re two of the best at what they do,” Narewski said.
Wallace State competes next at the NJCAA Division II National Championship in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Nov. 14. For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit www.athletics.wallacestate.edu or the athletics Facebook page at www.wallacestate.edu/athleticsfb.
