HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Valdosta State cross country teams continued their 2025 campaign at the UAH Chargers Invitational on Saturday, turning in a competitive performance against a deep regional field at John Hunt Park.

On the women's side, the Blazers placed 20th overall in the 6K race, posting a total team time of 2:04:00 among the top five runners with an average of 24:48. Sophomore Samantha Savinon-Rios led the way for VSU, clocking 23:59.3, placing 115th, and setting a new 6k PR.

Following closely behind, Anna Brown finished in 24:37.7, while Alanta Lofton crossed just five seconds later in 24:42.0. Rounding out the scoring five were Ella Burnett in 25:06.7 and Emma Burnett in 25:34.4, helping the Blazers improve their team standing from 21st at the 2K split to 20th by the finish line.

On the men's side, the Blazers placed 21st in the competitive 8K field with a top-five team total of 2:20:07 and an average time of 28:01. Sophomore Nicolas Waddell once again led Valdosta State, placing 58th overall with a strong time of 25:47.1, marking one of his fastest performances of the season and setting a new PR.

James Wilkerson followed in 26:49.6, while Caleb Tilford crossed the line in 28:43.4, making this his fastest 8k this season. Toshiya Bass (29:15.4) and Hunter Shuler (29:32.2) completed the scoring group for the Blazers. The men's team made a mid-race push, improving to 19th at the 5K split before finishing 21st in the final standings.

Runners on both the men side and womens side had great individual performances with James Wilkerson, Hunter Shuler, Randall Luke, Anna Brown, Alanta Lofton, Ella Burnett, Alyssa Youmans all posting new PR's and Emma Burnett only 0.3 seconds off from equalling her PR.

The Blazers will look to build on their momentum as they continue their fall schedule with the next meet being theGulf South Conference Championships later this month on October 25th.

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