CLINTON, Miss. --- Following its first appearances at NCAA Division II National Championships, the Mississippi College men and women's cross-country teams will be recognized on Thursday, Dec. 2. The recognition will take place during halftime of the men's basketball contest against the University of West Alabama.
 
The women's cross-country team finished 24th in the nation after entering the Championships unranked and receiving votes in the USTFCCCA Coaches' Poll. The men's squad finished 23rd.
 
"We are so proud of our cross country and this accomplishment," said Kenny Bizot, MC Director of Athletics. "To be the first is always special. These student-athletes have helped grow our program along with members of earlier teams that helped lay the ground work for this accomplishment. We are proud of head coach Matthew Reneker, his staff and the program and look forward to continued success over the next coming seasons."
 
MC made history on Saturday, Nov. 6 as they finished third at the Division II South Regional in Saint Leo, Fla. The finishes sent the programs to its first-ever appearances at Nationals. Eight members garnered USTFCCCA All-South Region accolades. Hunter Kurz, Christian Balcer, Gabe Poulin and Brock Kelly represented the men's team on the list while Jazmin Hernandez, Josie Whipp, Madeline Campbell and Emily Berry claimed honors on the women's side.
 
The eight honorees earned the distinction of all-region by virtue of a top-25 finish at the South Regional. Only athletes from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards. A total of 200 men from 81 different programs around the nation and 200 women from 94 different programs earned the acknowledgement.