HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Samford men's and women's cross-country teams opened the 2021 season at the UNA Showcase Friday morning at John Hunt Cross Country Running Park.
 
In a tough field that featured four SEC schools, the Samford women's team finished fifth in its 5K race, while the men came in ninth in the 8K event.
 
The women's team was led by McKenzie Hogue, placing 15^th out of 171 runners, with a time of 17:19.96. Sinkenesh Parker, in her first collegiate race, placed 23^rd, running the course in 17:36.01. Allison Nelson came in 27^th with a time of 17:44.62.
 
The men's team had two runners finish in the top 20 out of 169 individuals. The squad was led by Benjamin Garner, finishing 15^th, with a time of 24:55.35. Jeb Jones came in 19^th, running the race in 25:00.77.
 
The Bulldogs will be back on action on Oct. 2, when the teams compete in the Alexander/Asics Invitational in Fairburn, Ga.
 
FULL SAMFORD RESULTS
WOMEN'S TEAM
15. McKenzie Hogue: 17:19.96
23. Sinkenesh Parker: 17:36.01
27. Allison Nelson: 17:44.62
42. Mary Kellison Thorne: 18:06.82
71. Harper McGowan: 18:49.58
83: Macie Pfeuffer: 18:58.05
117. Ayers Legget: 19:43.07
118. Brenna Beucler: 19:44.34
 
MEN'S TEAM
15. Benjamin Garner: 24:55.35
19. Jeb Jones: 25:00.77
59. Jackson Merrell: 25:54.38
72. Alec Beers: 26:09.89
99. Jose Penalver: 27:07.49
102. Luke Dobbins: 27:09.30
103. Cole Arrington: 27:13.68
 
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For the latest news and information on Samford Cross Country, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordXC_TF (Twitter), and @samfordxctf (Instagram).