VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Thomas Night Hawks opened the 2026 Cross Country season at the VSU Border Clash on Friday evening.

On the men's side, the Night Hawks saw plenty of strong performances including Junior Nelson Lopez. Who finished 14th and was the highest NAIA finisher in the meet. Lopez had a career best time of 27:02 and an held a pace of six minutes flat.

The next highest finisher was Willie Davis, who came in 36th with a time of 32:46, running 7:16 per mile. Finally, Fabien Jeune came in 42nd at a time of 36:47.

In the women's race, Thomas faired well, with Kennedy Jennings placing 22nd, with a time of 23:49 and a pace of 7:40. While Rylee Taylor finished 39th, at a time of 28:02.

The Night Hawks will race again on Friday, Sept. 18th at the FSU Pre-Regional at Appalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla.

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