SSAC Championships Bring Out the Best in Tigers

Gulfport Shores, MS - The day finally arrived for the Brenau Golden Tigers to compete in the SSAC Cross Country Championships. Between the flat course and a temperature in the high 40s, the conditions were ideal for our four seniors' final race.

Senior Audra Cochran finished out her running career at Brenau by setting a new school record (19:57) and placing 12th overall. Next was freshman Ana Lopera, coming in 22nd with a 20:46. Junior Maria Gonzalez (21:11) and senior Regina Ogechi (21:14 - Brenau P.R.) both put out great performances, keeping the Brenau pack close together and placing 25th and 26th respectively. Coming in fifth for the tigers was senior Monica Muchene, who set a season personal record of 22:03 and placed 33rd overall. Senior Shkurte Ejupi (23:16 - season P.R.) and sophomore Fatima Talavera (25:52) finished 49th and 56th respectively. Collectively, the girls achieved a record team time of 21:02 and placed 6th out of 11 teams in the region.

Coach McIntyre was extremely impressed with the team's performance. "This has been the best cross country season at Brenau in terms of team time average at conference, and the girls have truly come together over the course of the season. Each individual put forth her best effort in the competition. Although the loss of our seniors will be difficult, Coach Charlie and I look forward to building the team and preparing for next year's competition."

For complete meet results: