Meade and Jones Lead Falcons to Sixth Place Finish at Nationals

The Daytona State Women's Cross Country team finished sixth out of 38 teams at the NJCAA National Division II Championships in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday.  This marks the highest team finish in program history.  Led by sophomores Giovana Meade and Shannon Jones who finished fourth and tenth respectively, the Falcons had one of the best team performances of their season.  By placing in the top fifteen, Meade and Jones earned All American honors, making Jones the first two time All American for the women's program.  She now ties Andy Martinez (2000 and 2021) for that honor. Meade, a former 400 meter runner in high school, placed 4th with a time of 18:24 and Jones placed 10th with a time of 18:50.  The Falcons trailed fifth place by only ten points and were the top Region 8 team in the field.  The next four Falcons all had personal bests for the season.  Lauren Schaudel placed 54th with a time of 20:17, Molly Burt was 61st in 20:29, Francesca Azzollini, in her first season of cross country ever, was 88th in 20:58, and Jonna-Marie Kirk place 111th in 21:26.  Brooke Gerrits rounded out the Falcon squad placing 115th in 21:38.  "This was a great day for the program. We had a lot of personal bests, and its great to bring home two more All Americans. Watching everyone grow as runners and develop as students has been very rewarding.  I think this race really helped open some eyes to what is possible in the near future!" commented Coach Judy Wilson

Next up for the Falcons is the National Half Marathon Championships on Tuesday November 14th in Huntsville.  The Falcons will run Shannon Jones, Jonna-Marie Kirk, Alexis Mills, and Alison Boyle. 

Results can be found at:https://live.xpresstiming.com/meets/28846