GMC hosting NJCAA XC Nationals Saturday

The Union-Recorder, Milledgeville, Ga.
·2 min read

Nov. 11—Georgia Military College is set to host the 2021 NJCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships this weekend.

The event will be run on the Council Farms course located just over the Wilkinson-Baldwin County line Saturday morning. The men's race is slated for a 10 a.m. start while the women will begin at 11.

"To get to compete for a national championship on your home course is special," said GMC cross country coach Rob Sherwood. "I am grateful for the support we have received from the GMC administration and staff as well as the entire Milledgeville community."

The GMC men's and women's teams will be among those taking to the course competing for national acclaim Saturday. The Running Lady Dogs are led by freshmen Jordan Prinner (Citrus Springs, Florida) and Tealani Wasson (Kahuku, Hawaii) who helped the team carry a No. 4 ranking into nationals.

Coach Sherwood believes the GMC women can make history and bring the program its highest nationals finish ever this weekend.

"This team has been excellent this year," he said. "I am excited to see how Jordan and Tealani compete against the best in the country, and with this being our home course, I am expecting a strong race from the entire team."

Paige White (McRae, Georgia) and Madison Nimmons (Lexington, Georgia) will be running at nationals for the second time. Nova Kroll (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), Piper Stephens (Melbourne, Florida) and Kimber Moring (Folsom, Florida) will round out the GMC women's lineup.

On the men's side, the Bulldogs have steadily climbed the ladder all season as they enter the National Championship ranked 10th in the country.

"This will be the first race where we have our entire starting lineup so that we will come in under the radar," Sherwood said.

The GMC men are led by sophomore Daniel Turnipseed (Blythwood, S.C.) who is running at nationals for the second time. Joining him will be Jacob Cain (Brandon, Florida), August Curcio (Cumming, Georgia), Aidan Garcia (Durham, Connecticut), Jacob Reed (Thompson, Connecticut), Christopher Pombo (Brewster, Massachusetts) and Brandon Williams (Cadwell, Georgia).

"Daniel has taken on a leadership role this year," Sherwood said. "He has helped guide this team all year, and I am excited to see how he competes."

Fans and supporters can follow results of the national championship races live Saturday online at http://milesplit.live/meets/450398.