Lee’s cross country teams place in top ten in FSU Open
Photo courtesy of FSU Athletics Media Relations
On Friday, Sept. 17, the Lee University men’s cross country team placed ninth out of 26 teams at the Florida State University Cross Country Open. The women’s cross country team placed sixth out of 29 teams.
Christian Noble was Lee’s top finisher, placing 34th out of 254 finishers with a time of 24:54.1. Celine Ritter finished 11th out of 290, the top finisher for Lady Flames. Ritter stopped the clock at 21:16.2.
Last year, the Flames ranked second-place at the Gulf South Conference Championship and finished No. 7 in the final Top 15 Division II Men’s Cross Country National Rankings in 2020.
After winning their fourth-consecutive Gulf South Conference Championship, the Lady Flames finished the 2020 season at No. 6 in the final Top 15 Division II Women’s Cross Country National Rankings, according to the Lee University Athletics Communications.
Junior business administration major and runner Elizabeth Beckham said working hard to reach these kinds of rankings builds community amongst the team.
“The idea of being in it together… we celebrate each other's highs, and we cry over each other's lows. It’s a really wonderful dynamic,” said Beckham.
Beckham has been part of Lee’s cross country team for three years, though she has been running for six. The importance of friendship and a supportive coaching staff makes all the difference when it comes to loving the sport, Beckham said.
Ezekiel Harless, junior health science major, has been on the men’s cross country team for three years and said the impact of COVID-19 ultimately brought the team closer together.
“Everybody’s a lot closer because now we don’t take any race or any practice for granted,” said Harless. “Because we know in an instant, a couple people could get quarantined, and it would be over for everyone.”
Dr. Ben Christmann, assistant professor of biology and health science, is the faculty sponsor for the men’s cross country team.
“Cross country is one of the easier sports for the faculty mentor to actually participate in the athletic activity,” said Christmann. “It’s been good to be a part of their success.”
According to Christmann, the team has helped him appreciate the endurance of student-athletes. Between academics, athletics and personal life, Christmann said he, as a professor, better understands the busy life of a collegiate athlete.
After successful seasons during the pandemic, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams are excited about the upcoming season and have high hopes for future competitions.
For more information regarding Lee University’s cross country teams, visit leeuflames.com.
