Wallace State Cross Country sweeps ACCC Championships at John Hunt Park

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AL — The Wallace State men’s and women’s cross-country teams left no doubt at the ACCC Conference/Region 22 Championships on Friday at John Hunt Park, sweeping both team titles in dominating fashion.

The men’s team turned in a perfect score of 15 points, claiming the top five spots in the 8K race. Sophomore Daniel Leija led the charge with a winning time of 26:02.20, followed closely by Connor McCrary (26:20.35), Elliot Denard (26:22.08), Harper Branscome (26:32.03), and Carson Masterson (26:33.73). Jack Wiggins added a 10th-place finish in 27:18.68, giving the Lions six All-Conference selections.

“I think with Tyler being out, we challenged them to step up, each one of them, and that’s what they did,” Coach Tony Crider said. “They wanted a perfect score as much as I did. It’s a testament to the hard work they’ve done all year long. I think they were running for Tyler as much as themselves today.”

Crider credited Leija’s journey as especially inspiring.“Daniel, from the time he had his accident three years ago, has battled back stronger than ever. He came in last year, still working his way back, but this year he’s been right there with Tyler, pushing him every race. They’re great competitors and great friends. To see him win today was very special.”

Despite being sidelined with a minor injury, Tyler Anthony was honored as the ACCC Male Runner of the Year after a stellar season highlighted by a school-record 8K performance. Head coach Tony Crider was named Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s squads.

Anthony echoed that sentiment when discussing his own honor: “It’s a great honor. I’m very blessed to be able to run and compete. I’m super grateful for all those who voted for me.”

For Crider, being recognized as Coach of the Year again was humbling. “It’s an honor, but really a testament to the work these kids and my assistants, Mandy Leonardi and Cole Akridge, put in every day. I may get the award, but it’s mostly because of them. This is my happy place, and anytime you’re happy, you can be successful.”

The men’s team outdistanced second-place Shelton State (72 points) and Calhoun (97 points).

On the women’s side, freshman sensation Brookelyn Morgan captured the individual crown with a time of 19:06.58, continuing her stellar debut season. Morgan was named the ACCC Female Runner of the Year.

She was joined in the top five by Grace Gosline (3rd, 19:44.81) and Cadence Rivera (4th, 19:55.80). Hanna Sheffield (7th, 20:02.66) and Payton Ridley (8th, 20:08.94) rounded out a pack that placed five Lions in the top eight. All five earned All-Conference recognition. Rachel Matthews added a strong 14th-place finish in 20:38.35, just shy of All-Conference honors.

“We had a goal of perfect scoring, but I knew that was a stretch on the women’s side,” Crider said. “Still, I thought the girls really did a good job competing. Some of them didn’t have their PR day, but as a group, they were outstanding.”

Crider was quick to praise Morgan’s character in addition to her athletic ability. “Brookelyn’s an amazing young lady. As talented as she is, she’s an even better person—humble, hardworking, a great teammate. She’s going to make a Division I program very lucky someday.”

Morgan reflected on her season and her award: “Starting off, it was just about getting back into it, but the team and I have been training hard all year. We push each other every day. It’s an honor to be named Runner of the Year, but I couldn’t do it without my teammates.”

The women’s team, 21 points, outdistanced second-place Northeast Alabama (70 points) and third-place Calhoun (70 points).

What’s Next

Both teams advance to the NJCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships on November 8 at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa.