VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State men's cross country team started their season off strong and have now returned to USTFCCCA South Region rankings since 2023, sitting at No. 9.

This ranking is the first time the Blazers have been in the rankings since Week 1 of the 2023 season, when VSU held the No. 10 spot.

For the 2026 season, Valdosta State has achieved three consecutive placements in the top two, starting with a first-place team finish at the VSU Border Clash season opener on Sept. 4. Following this, the Blazers had two second-place team finishes, one at the UM Falcon Classic on Sept. 18 and the other the week after at The Twilight at John Hunt Park.

Within these three meets, many individuals have been turning in personal best performances. At the VSU Border Clash, junior Nick Waddell won the men's 7.25K race with a personal best of 24:37.9. Together Liam LeBrocq, Jake Wilkerson, and Caleb Tilford held up the front pack. 

At the UM Falcon Classic, the men secured second out of 12 teams, maintaining the strong performances they showed earlier against a tough field. The Blazers then came in second out of 14 teams at The Twilight at John Hunt Park on Sept. 25.

The men's cross country team continues to gain momentum on the season by looking forward to their last two meets before GSC XC Championships on Nov. 6. 

Next up, the Blazers will compete at the Florida State XC Invitational on Oct. 9. The men's 8K race is set for 7:40 a.m.


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