Valdosta, Ga. - The Valdosta State men's and women's cross country teams kicked off their 2025 season Friday evening at Freedom Park, hosting the annual VSU Border Clash against a strong regional field of Division II,  NAIA programs and JUCO programs.

On the men's side, the Blazers turned in a gritty performance, highlighted by Nick Waddell, who finished second with a time of 25:00.8  in the 7.25K course. Valdosta State finished second with 50 points, placing ahead of Columbus State, Florida State College (Jacksonville), and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, showing early-season depth with James Wilkerson finishing in seventh with a time of 26:25.2 and Caleb Tilford finishing right outside the top ten in 13th place with a time of 26:55.9

The Lady Blazers also delivered an impressive showing, led by Ella Burnett who finished in ninth place and crossed in 21:24.8. As a unit, the women finished third, tallying 86 points. VSU outpaced Albany State, Gulf Coast State College, and Florida State College (Jacksonville) , setting the tone for a competitive fall campaign.

The Cross Country teams would like to give a special shoutout to AFROTC Detachment 172 for their tremendous showing for volunteering for the event!

Valdosta State has a quick turnaround, as they hit the road to head to  Montevallo, Ala.to compete in the Falcon Classic on Friday, September 12th.

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