VIDEO: Jenna Pittman Interview
VIDEO: Bryson Burkett Interview
ROCK HILL, S.C. - The South Atlantic Conference announced the 2024 Cross Country Runners to Watch List, where Carson-Newman had four runners named to the list.
The SAC Cross Country Runners to Watch list is released to identify athletes that are on the edge of a breakout year in the conference. The Eagles included in this list were women's runners Jenna Pittman and Peyton Couch. For the men's list, Colten Lee and Bryson Burkett were nominated.
Carson-Newman's women's team concluded last season with a sixth place finish at the SAC Cross Country Conference Championship with an average time of 22:16 in the women's 6K race. The team was led by Imke Van Gog (21:34.4) and Katie Smock (21.40.1). With neither runner returning for the 2024-25 season, the Eagles look to sophomore duo Jenna Pittman and Peyton Couch to lead the team.
Pittman was a standout last season for the Eagles, recording a personal best 23rd place finish in the SAC Cross Country Championship in the 6K race in 21:55.0. She hit another personal best in the 5K race with a time of 18:23.1 and 2nd place finish at the ASICS XC Invitational.
"It means a lot to me," Pittman said. "It gives me a boost of motivation going into the upcoming races."
Couch wrapped up last season with a personal best performance in the 6K race, finishing in 47th place with a time of 23:16.9 at the SAC Championship. At the UNG Invitational, Couch recorded a personal best 5K performance placing 15th in 19:07.8.
"It helps me to feel confident in myself," Couch said. "It makes me motivated and excited for the upcoming season."
The men's cross country runners placed sixth at the SAC Cross Country Conference Championship with an average time of 25:10 in the men's 8K race. Team leaders were sophomore Colten Lee placing ninth in 23:25.7, and recently named head coach Brent Borden at 25:04.7 in 39th. With Lee returning and rising junior Bryson Burkett, the Eagles hope to improve upon last season.
Colten Lee had a notable performance at the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Cross Country Championships placing 20th in 30:30.6 in the 10K race. Lee earned a first place finish at the ASICS XC Invitational with a time of 24:47.9. He ran for a handful of second place finishes in the SAC Preview (26:37.0) and UNG Invitational (25:18.9) races.
"It's super humbling and motivating," said Lee. "We're in a competitive conference, so to be one of those runners is a good feeling going forward and I want to make the most out of it."
Burkett had a personal best performance at the SAC Cross Country Conference Championship 8K earning 59th place finish in 25:59.8. At the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Cross Country Championships, Burkett hit a personal best in the men's 10K race in 35:44.3 placing 153rd.
"It motivates me a ton, especially since I came into college as a hybrid athlete. To know that my progress is recognized really encourages me to work harder," Burkett said.
Carson-Newman Cross Country hopes to start off the season with standout performances from the SAC Runners to Watch on Friday, Sep. 6 at the LMU Railsplitter Open in Ewing, Va.
Stay up to date with all things Eagles Cross Country by visiting cn.eagles. com.
