BABSON PARK, FL- The University of South Carolina Beaufort XC team qualified four runners, three men and one woman for the NAIA Cross Country National Championships, to be held in two weeks in Vancouver Washington. The Sand Shark women, led by Katie Mock, finished fourth overall, behind conference rivals Embry-Riddle, Savannah College of Art and Design and Warner University. 

Katie Mock led the Sand Shark attack finishing 15th out of the field of 55 women, crossing the finish line in a time of 21:44. Mock is the first Lady Sand Shark to qualify for the Cross Country National Championships ever! Just missing the cut was Selena Hutson who finished one place and just seconds behind teammate Katie Mock. Hutson placed 16th overall with a time of 21:53. 

Amy Williams was the third Sand Shark to cross the finish line in a time of 22:50, finishing 21st overall. In a time of 24:37 and in 33rd place was Jessica Brown. Caitlin Brady was the fifth Sand Shark to cross the line with a 36th place finish and a time of 25:36. 

Coach Kimball was very proud of the Lady Sand Sharks saying, “Katie and Selena ran a very smart race, working well together on the hilly and sneakily hot course. Its unfortunate Selena didn't make Nationals, but the women ran as well as they could, and I'm very proud of them.” 

Katie Mock along with three from the men's team will be headed to Ft. Vancouver Washington to the NAIA National Meet hosted by Nike and the Cascade Conference on November 21st.