Men's Cross Country | August 30, 2023

AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's cross country squad begins the 2023 campaign Friday evening at the Elon Friday Night Lights meet.

Head coach Marshall Leonard is in his second year with the program and the Pacers are looking to build off a solid 2022 season.

USC Aiken returns graduate student Riley Campbell as well as upperclassmen Julian Salas and Julian Mendoza. The team also features returners Tyler Blowe and Joey Burdick. During the first season under Leonard, the squad boasted multiple personal-best times.

The Pacers added junior transfer Julio Rojas and freshman Justin Kaimann as both should push for top scoring times among the team.

"Going into the Elon meet, I am very happy with where our team is at the moment," Marshall stated. "They came into the first practice of the season in shape and with the proper cardio to start the season. We still have a long way to go to reach the heights that we have set for ourselves, but we have started off the right way.

"We have some talented athletes on our roster, and I am looking forward to seeing them showcase their skill set at the Elon night race."
 
It is a 6k race will start at 8:45 p.m. Other teams at the meet include Averett, Barton, Campbell, Elon, Fayetteville State, High Point, Meredith, North Carolina A&T, Rockingham C.C., Shaw, St. Augustine's, UNC Pembroke, UNC Wilmington, Winston-Salem State and Winthrop.