By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

UT Martin XC OVC Preview
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. CT (women – 6K) & 10:00 a.m. CT (men – 8K)
Location: Graham Park | Union City, Tenn.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech cross country teams will get a sneak peek of what the Ohio Valley Conference has to offer this season at Saturday' UT Martin XC OVC Preview. The event, hosted by in-state and league foe UT Martin, will be held at Graham Park in Union City, Tenn.

The women's 6K will begin at 9:00 a.m. CT with the men's 8K to follow at approximately 10:00 a.m.

The Golden Eagle women's squad enters the weekend after placing third at the Belmont Opener two weeks ago, looking to build off its early momentum. Leading the way in the season-opening meet was fifth-year senior Helen Pacurariu-Nagy, who ranked 10th overall in the 5K.

Rookie Rylee Wells was right on her teammate's heels, finishing 11th and just one-tenth of a second behind Pacurariu-Nagy in her collegiate debut. Rounding out the Tech top three, sophomore Makaleigh Jessee built off her strong rookie campaign by placing 13th overall. 

The men's side capped off the Belmont Opener fourth overall, getting an eyebrow-raising performance from a junior veteran. Carter Bradford paced the Tech effort by placing 15th overall, his first time leading the Golden Eagles.

Less than a full second behind was senior James Hyland, ranking 16th behind a time of 15:55.7. Fellow senior Miceal McCaul followed at 15:57.2 to place 17th.

Up Next
Following this weekend's race, the Golden Eagles will to Louisville, Ky. for the Live in Lou Classic on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Photos by Thomas Corhern