SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Clemson Tigers opened up their 2024 season in Spartanburg as both the men’s and women’s cross country teams competed in the USC Upstate Eye Opener. After earning the top three times, the Clemson women finished first in the 5K and the men took second place overall in 8K.
“It was a solid opener for both teams,” Head Coach Vicky Pounds said. “The women’s results will definitely get some people’s attention and also gives us a good indication of what we can accomplish this season.”
In the women’s 5K, two brand new Tigers fought till the very end to win the race as Silvia Jelelgo and Judy Kosgei were the first to cross the line in the event. Jelelgo secured the first-place finish with a time of 16:38.90 while Kosgei earned second-place after crossing the line at 16:38.95.
Shortly following Jelelgo and Kosgei was sophomore standout Gladys Chepngetich as she tabbed third place overall in the 5K with a time of 16:47.01.
With the top three times and all the women finishing in the top 35, Clemson officially took first overall in the 5K.
In the men’s 8K, the Tigers had strong performances as they rounded out the top 10. Crossing the line first for Clemson was newcomer Garrett Brown as he secured a time of 25:25:58 to earn seventh place overall. Clemson also tabbed eighth (Brian Kweyei), ninth (Sawyer Dagan) and tenth place (Victor Ndiwa).
As a team, Clemson secured second place overall in the 8K as all the men finished within the top 30.
Up next, the Tigers will prepare to compete at the Furman Invitational on Saturday, September 14 in Greenville, S.C.
FULL RESULTS
Women’s 5K
Silvia Jelelgo, 16:38.90 – 1st place
Judy Kosgei, 16:38.95 – 2nd place
Gladys Chepngetich, 16:47.01 – 3rd place
Maddie Dinneen, 17:36.04 – 9th place
Madison Roush, 18:00.55 – 14th place
Madison Timms, 18:05. 16 – 19th place
Alyssa Hammond, 18:13.05 -20th place
Nicole Pizzo, 19:00.96 – 30th place
Makenzie Steele, 19:14.76 – 34th place
Men’s 8K
Garrett Brown, 25:25.58 – 7th place
Brian Kweyei, 25:25.84 – 8th place
Sawyer Dagan, 25:28.11 – 9th place
Victor Ndiwa, 25:32.24 – 10th place
Jack McGahney, 25:45.50 – 13th place
Ryan Sula, 25:28.87 – 16th place
Nate Verska, 25:55.51 – 18th place
Paul Maguire, 26:00.58 – 19th place
Trey Sullivan, 26:17.68 – 28th place
For all the most up-to-date information regarding Clemson cross country, visit ClemsonTigers.com and follow @ClemsonTrackXC on Twitter and Instagram.