Tampa Women Make Return Trip to Nationals; Spartan Men Sixth

Tampa Women's Cross Country Advances to Nationals

November 4, 2023

MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The University of Tampa women's cross country team finished second overall at the 2023 NCAA Division II South Regional, as the Spartan men also competed to a sixth-place finish.

This marks the second consecutive appearance for UT at the national championships, marking the first time since 2015 where the Spartans have made a return trip to nationals.

Women's Race

SSC-champion Tampa finished second overall, scoring just 65 team points. Their performance qualified them for nationals along with regional champion Lee University and third-place finisher Mississippi College.

Aspen Gordon (20:56.29) placed seventh overall, while teammate Olivia Harp (21:01.10) came in ninth. The remainder of the UT top five included Emma Skinner, Emily Kriney and Jessica Hernandez.

Men's Race

UT was led by Aaron Engelhardt, who was 16th overall with a 10K time of 30:54.70. He was joined by a top five Tampa group of Caleb Belmont, Nathan Reffitt, Joe Bueher and GioVenchy Cerisier.

Florida Southern scored 86 points to earn an automatic qualification into the NCAA Division II National Championship after finishing second at the regional championship. They will be joined at nationals by regional champion Lee University and third-place finisher Mississippi College.

Up Next

The 2023 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships. The National Championship race will be held in Joplin, Missouri on Saturday, November 18.