Joplin, MO – The famed Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course witnessed the Mississippi College Choctaws put on a commendable performance at the Southern Stampede, setting high standards for their competitors and gaining invaluable experience for upcoming events.
Bre Bell, the unstoppable junior from Lexington, Mississippi, was the highlight of the event. Despite starting in 20th at mile one, Bell showcased a relentless spirit, surging forward and clinching the lead with just 100 meters remaining. She crossed the finish line in 17:43 for 5K, marking a personal best in her career. Bell's triumph wasn't just individual; she spearheaded the Lady Choctaws to an impressive fourth place amidst a nationally esteemed lineup. The Lady Choctaws also stood second amongst teams in the NCAA South Region. Another feather in the women's cap was Jazmin Russell, who clocked an impressive 17:53, securing a place in the top-five. Josie Whipp, Lauren Wallace, and Haley Hall further complemented the team, rounding out the scoring five and contributing to the overall score of 125 points.
On the men's frontier, Jan Lukas Becker emerged as the beacon for the Choctaws. Steering the team to a laudable third place in a sea of nationally ranked competitors, the Choctaws stood as the pinnacle team from the NCAA South Region. Becker's performance of 25:21.2 earned him a coveted spot in the top-five. Brock Kelly further amplified the team's performance with a commendable top-15 finish, clocking 26:04.6 for 8K. Cole Benoit, Braedon Methvin, and Cooper Parmer were the remaining members of the scoring five, adding to the overall tally.
The Southern Stampede served not just as a race, but as a learning curve. Competing on the future nationals course and brushing shoulders with national-caliber competitors provided the Choctaws with a blueprint for what lies ahead. As they head back to Clinton, Mississippi, it is with enriched experience and a fortified determination to take on future challenges.
Next on the agenda for the indomitable Choctaws is the "Live in Lou" event in Louisville, Kentucky. The competition is slated for Saturday, September 30, with the day of competition set to start at 8:30 AM.
