HARDEEVILLE, SC-The USCB men's cross country team defeated Armstrong Atlantic in a dual meet on Wednesday at Jasper Park in Hardeeville by a score of 22-33.  Despite resting their top six runners, the Sand Sharks relied on three first year students and two sophomores to the secure the win.

Redshirt first year student Josh Fitts easily won the five kilometer race in a time of 16:05.  Taylor Mason and John Stanas were first and second in the team scoring and second and third over-all with times of 18:33 and 18:51 respectively.  Sophomore Ian Evans placed fourth in a personal best of 19:07.  First year student Evan Szankowski and Josh Larsen completed the scoring five for USCB finishing in scoring positions sixth and ninth.

"I am extremely pleased how our younger runners responded to the challenge and fought hard to earn the victory," said Coach Larry Kimball, adding "This will certainly give these runners confidence as they continue to prepare for the Sun Conference Championships in two weeks."

The USCB women also took part in Wednesday's race although they did not have another team to compete against.  The Lady Sand Sharks were led by Samatha Willcutt.  Also competing were Rachel Ford, Katie Mock, Gabby Lamb, Selena Hutson and Erin Grider.

Six men and six women will begin an eleven hour drive on Thursday traveling to Louisville, KY for what could be the most important meet in short USCB's history.  The Sand Sharks will take part in the Southeastern Classic on Saturday acompeting against 24 of the top NAIA teams in the country hoping to run well enough to earn valuable at large criteria that could help land an at large bid to the NAIA National Championships to be held November 21st in Vancouver, WA.