Appalachian State University's cross country teams continued their season on Friday, competing at the Southern Showcase. The men’s team earned a total score of 118, while the women’s team finished with a score of 453, demonstrating the program's ongoing efforts this season.
Highlighting the men’s performance, junior Noah Martinson delivered a standout race, securing a ninth-place finish overall. Martinson completed the 8K course with an impressive time of 23:57.3, marking a significant individual achievement for the Mountaineers. His strong showing led a contingent of six App State runners who successfully placed in the top 50 in the competitive event.
Following Martinson, junior Thomas Wlazlowski also posted a notable performance, finishing 16th with a time of 24:19.6. Sophomore Aidan Kneeland contributed to the team's strong collective effort, crossing the finish line in 31st place with a time of 24:40.5. The team’s depth was further evident with freshman Jackson Tuck securing 35th place, clocking in at 24:49.4. Senior Derek Waite finished closely behind, taking 36th position with a time of 24:52.2. Rounding out the top 50 for App State was junior Aaron Kidd, who finished 46th with a time of 25:05.2. These consistent performances by multiple runners underscored the men's team's collective strength at the Southern Showcase.
On the women’s side, the Mountaineers saw three athletes place within the top 100 of their race. Sophomore Ashby Williams led the women’s team, completing the 5K event in 86th place overall with a time of 18:18.2. Her performance set the pace for the App State women.
Williams was followed by sophomore Josie Jackson, who secured a 94th-place finish with a time of 18:23.8. Junior Baylor Wolfe also contributed to the team’s standings, finishing 99th with a time of 18:27.3. These results represent key individual efforts for the women’s cross country program as they progress through their season.
Looking ahead, both App State cross country teams are now turning their focus to their next event, the Fire Tower Project. This upcoming meet will take place back at home on Tuesday, October 2. The men’s 8K race is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., followed by the women’s 6K race at 5:40 p.m. The home event provides an opportunity for the Mountaineers to compete on familiar terrain and build on their recent performances.
