The Tennessee Tech University cross country teams concluded their 2023 campaigns with a strong representation at the NCAA South Regional Championships held at the Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville, Florida. Despite not participating in the team scoring, the purple and gold spirit was alive, and the four Golden Eagle runners showcased their talent on the challenging course.

In the women's race, the dynamic duo of Helen Pacurariu-Nagy and Makaleigh Jessee represented Tennessee Tech with determination and skill. Pacurariu-Nagy, a seasoned senior, demonstrated her prowess by leading the effort for the women's team. Competing in her third 6K race of the season, she finished an impressive 103rd among the more than 210 participants.

What made Pacurariu-Nagy's performance truly outstanding was her massive personal record. She shaved nearly a full minute off her previous best mark, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 20:56. Her dedication and improvement showcased not only her individual skills but also the commitment of the entire Tennessee Tech cross country program to continuous growth and excellence.

On the other side, the freshman Makaleigh Jessee concluded her inaugural season in purple and gold with a commendable 157th-place finish. Hailing from Abingdon, Virginia, Jessee displayed tremendous potential as she cut almost 30 seconds from her previous 6K personal record. Crossing the finish line at 21:45.6, Jessee's performance indicated a promising future for the young athlete and added depth to the Tennessee Tech women's cross country team.

Turning to the men's competition, Miceal McCaul showcased an outstanding performance in the challenging 10K race, his first of the year. The junior runner not only conquered the distance but also shattered his prior career-best mark in the event. McCaul sprinted to an impressive time of 30:10.4, marking an incredible 85-second improvement from his performance in the previous year.

McCaul's exceptional showing secured him the 39th position in a substantial field of 171 completed racers. His dedication to improvement and the significant strides he made in the 10K race reflected the commitment of the Tennessee Tech men's cross country team to pushing their limits and achieving new milestones.

Unfortunately, the men's team experienced a setback as junior James Hyland, a transfer from McNeese, did not finish the race. While individual challenges are inevitable in the sport of cross country, the team spirit and the remarkable performances of McCaul and others demonstrate the resilience and potential of the Tennessee Tech cross country program.

In conclusion, the Tennessee Tech cross country teams concluded the 2023 season on a high note at the NCAA South Regional Championships. The purple and gold were well-represented by dedicated athletes who showcased their talent, determination, and commitment to continuous improvement. As the season comes to a close, the Golden Eagles can reflect on their achievements and look forward to building on this success in future campaigns.