MACON, Ga. (November 4, 2022) – The Tigers of Benedict claimed the 2022 Cricket SIAC Women’s Cross Country Championship Title with a team score of 26 points on Friday morning at the Georgia Premier Cross Country Course at Middle Georgia State University.
Six out of seven of Benedict’s runners finished in the Top 20, including four student-athletes who placed in the Top 10. Coach Frank Hyland of Benedict was named the 2022 Cricket SIAC Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year. This was their first title since 2014.
BC Assistant XC Coach (left), SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman (middle), Head Coach Frank Hyland (right)
Senior Kayla Chance of Savannah State led the field of 86 by finishing first with a time of 19:32.23 in the 5K and was named the 2022 SIAC Women's Runner of the Year. Chance was joined by teammates Sky Buie-Cox (21:45.80) who finished 10th.
Kayla Chance, SSU, 2022 SIAC Women's Runner of the Year (left), SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman (right)
Albany State finished second by securing two spots in the Top 10. The Golden Rams recorded a team score of 69 and were led by Kiyah Pittmon (21:25.43) and Zamya Rhaney (21:27.02).
Spring Hill, the 2021 SIAC Women’s Cross Country Champions, placed third at this year’s meet with 72 points. Madeline Knightly finished sixth overall with a time of 20:34.36 ahead of teammate Claire Morgan (21:42.02) who placed ninth.
Savannah State was fourth (113), followed by Central State (123), Clark Atlanta (147), Miles (199), Kentucky State (199), Tuskegee (225), Edward Waters (269), Lane (299), Allen (306), and Fort Valley State (326).
The Elite 14 award recognized the student-athlete who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the SIAC championship level in his or her sport while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. Onye Andrus of Tuskegee received this award in her respective sport.
The 2022 NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country South Regional Championship is set for Nov. 19 in Lakeland, Fla. At the Holloway Park & Nature Preserve.
2022 SIAC Women’s Cross Country All-Conference Honors
Individual Scores
- Kayla Chance – Savannah State, 19:32.23 (Runner of the Year)
- Purity Kibet – Benedict, 19:36.43
- Megan Thompson – Benedict, 19:42.82
- Jane Kiborus – Benedict, 19:45.39
- Floma Okumu – Benedict, 20:18.73
- Madeline Knightly – Spring Hill, 20:34.36
- Kiyah Pittmon – Albany State, 21:25.43
- Zamya Rhaney – Albany State, 21:27.02
- Claire Morgan – Spring Hill, 21:42.02
- Sky Buie-Cox – Savannah State, 21:45.80
Coach of the Year
Frank Hyland, Benedict
Runner of the Year
Kayla Chance, Savannah State
Elite 14 Women’s Cross Country Honoree
Onye Andrus, Tuskegee