2016 USC Aiken Cross Country Media Guide
2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
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Table of Contents 02 USC Aiken Info About the Conference About USC Aiken Meet the Staff
10 The Season Season Preview Team Photo Roster
12 The Coach Kara Kreutzer
14 The Players Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen
20 The Archives 2014 Review Record Book
Quick Facts School Address City, State Founded Enrollment Nickname Colors Arena Capacity Affiliation Conference Chancellor Athletic Director Department Phone Ticket Office Phone
USC Aiken 471 University Parkway Aiken, S.C. 29801 1961 3,250 Pacers Cardinal, Navy, White Convocation Center 3,600 NCAA Division II Peach Belt Dr. Sandra Jordan Randy Warrick 803-641-3486 803-641-3486
Credits The 2016 Cross Country media guide is a publication of the USC Aiken Sports Information office. It was written and edited by Brent C. Hager, Sports Information Director. Photography was provided by Hager and CSI Photography. The guide was designed by Cody Keisler. A special thanks to head coach Kara Kinard for her assisstance with the publication.
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
The Peach Belt Conference The Peach Belt Conference is committed to providing, through its dependent collegiate members, a forum for student participation in athletic, academic and co-curricular events under the auspices of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II. We will exemplify the characteristics of a premier intercollegiate conference that prides itself on the inclusion of students of all demographic groups who wish to participate in a well-rounded sports program. Our institutions, our academic goals, our athletic aspirations reflect a communality of purpose and a commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.
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This is USC Aiken
The University of South Carolina Aiken was chartered in 1961 after entering into an agreement with the University of South Carolina to establish a two-year center in Aiken. The Aiken Center opened its doors in September 1961 to 139 students. Temporarily housed in Banksia, a renovated mansion in Aiken, the Center consisted of three full-time faculty members (one of whom served as Director of the Center). In 1968, the Center underwent an institutional self-study and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a branch of the University of South Carolina and as a junior college. The first associate degrees were awarded in June 1968. The campus of USC Aiken moved from Banksia to its present site in 1972 and physical changes began to occur rapidly. At first, the permanent campus consisted of 100 acres and one multipurpose building which housed all university operations. A library was completed in 1975, and additional land was donated that increased the campus to 144 acres. In October 1977, the Student Activities Center was opened. A classroom building was occupied in 1978, and one year later, an auxiliary services building was added. An apartment complex for students, Pacer Downs, was ready
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
for occupancy in the fall of 1984. More construction additions to the campus included completion of the Etherredge Center, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, the Business and Education Building, and the Alan B. Miller Nursing Building. Additional land was acquired increasing the campus to 400 acres. Academic and organizational changes also occurred rapidly. The faculty formalized its organizational structure and redefined its role in the governance of the institution in 1974-75. Also, the students reorganized their governing body and more precisely defined their role on campus; the administration and staff structures were overhauled and expanded to meet the demands of the growing academic programs. When the full-time equivalent student enrollment reached 1,066 in the fall of 1975, the USC Aiken campus was permitted to plan for senior level courses and to create a number of baccalaureate degree programs. In that same year, USCA received approval as a four-year branch campus by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina, and USCA was designated a Recognized Candidate for Senior College Accreditation. In September 1976, the Board of Trustees granted academic autonomy to the Aiken Campus. The first bachelor’s degrees were granted in May 1977, and USCA became a fully
accredited senior college. Presently, the college community is comprised of more than 3,200 students, over 100 full-time faculty, approximately 110 staff members, and 28 administrators. USCA awards bachelor’s degrees in more than 20 major areas of study, master’s degrees in two areas, and offers a varied program of continuing education courses for the wider community. Today USC Aiken offers students a liberal education designed to develop an understanding of human experience which will equip them for life in a free society. To accomplish this, the University provides students with an opportunity to discover learning processes which enable them to grow personally and socially. It promotes students’ interaction within a community of active scholars and artists, and it encourages students to use the knowledge which they gain to deal with the problems of a rapidly changing world.
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Meet the Staff Dr. Sandra Jordan University Chancellor
Sandra J. Jordan, former provost and vice president for academic
Jordan’s appointment marks a return to the state where her higher
affairs at Georgia College & State University, was named
education career began. From 1986-1989, she was an assistant
chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2012.
professor of art history at Lander University and director of the
Jordan became the fourth chancellor of USC Aiken, succeeding Thomas L. Hallman who retired after 12 years in the position. “I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system,” Jordan said. “USC Aiken’s mission, unwavering dedication to student success and vibrant partnerships with the community, make this an exceptional and exciting position. I am thrilled to accept this invitation to join the Pacers during this pivotal time in the history of the institution and I look forward to
Monsanto Gallery of Art. Jordan earned her bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Alabama, and her doctorate in art history from the University of Georgia. She has also attended the Management Development Program at Harvard University’s Institute for Higher Education, the 21st Century Leadership Institute and was a summer fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Higher Education Management. A student of leadership, she is often asked to mentor new leaders at the state and national level.
working closely with President Pastides, the USC Aiken faculty,
Jordan has been married for 30 years to Michael Jordan, an
staff and students as well as our alumni and friends to build upon
architect and graduate of Clemson University. They have a son,
the successes that defined this university’s first 50 years.”
Matthew, who is a doctoral student in electrical engineering at
I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system.
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
Georgia Tech.
Randy Warick Athletic Director
Randy Warrick is in his 30th year as Director of Athletics at the
While earning his master’s degree, he served as a graduate
University of South Carolina Aiken. He was hired at USCA in
assistant baseball coach. In the same season, the team advanced
1978 as head baseball coach and intramural director and has
to the College World Series.
served many different duties during his tenure.
Warrick is a member of the College Athletic Management’s
While coaching baseball for 11 years, Warrick also served as an
Editorial Board, PBC Awards Committee, NCAA Division II
assistant basketball coach during the 1978-79 season and acting
AD’s Association Board of Directors, Greater Augusta Sports
golf coach in 1989-90.
Council Board, and is the most recent past chairman of the
As baseball coach, Warrick compiled a 392-146 record, while
NCAA Division II National Golf Committee.
earning various coaching awards. In 1986 his team advanced to
Warrick is married to Martha Blankenship Warrick of Augusta,
the College World Series, the highlight of his coaching career.
Ga. They have one son, Tripp, who graduated from USC Aiken.
Warrick was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. and attended Rocky
The Warrick family resides in North Augusta, S.C.
Mount High School. He was an All-Conference player in football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation from high school, Warrick went to Louisburg Junior College where he played baseball for two years. In 1975, Warrick earned his Associate of Arts degree from Louisburg and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals, but decided to stay in school. Warrick then moved on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a two-year baseball scholarship. While at North Carolina he earned Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic honors two straight years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1977 and then his Master of Arts in Teaching in 1978.
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Tim Hall
Associate Athletic Director
Tim Hall is in his 26th year as a member of the USC Aiken athletic
Master’s in Student Personnel Services from USC as well.
department. Hall first joined the program in 1990 as a graduate assistant.
In his time at USC Aiken, Hall has been on a number of campus
In 1993 he was hired on as the university’s full-time NCAA Compliance
committees including the first year academic advisor program and the
Coordinator.
enrollment management action team in the strategic planning process.
In August 1997, the Batesburg-Leesville native was promoted to
Hall is married to the former Jenny Fulmer and they have three sons,
Assistant Athletic Director.
Jordan, Ethan and Wyatt.
In September 2003, Hall was promoted again, this time to the position of Associate Athletic Director for Administration and External Services. In this role, Hall oversees NCAA compliance and academic support. In addition, he assists with home game administration and fundraising. A 1990 graduate of the University of South Carolina, Hall received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration. In 1992, he earned a
Angie Osbon
Assistant Athletic Director Angie Osbon is in her 17th year as a member of the USC Aiken athletic
and was selected to the Who’s Who Among Cheerleading Coaches.
department. Osbon became the department’s business manager in 1999.
In addition, she has been a member of the first year academic advisor
Through the years she has earned a number of other titles, including
program and a staff facilitator for orientation.
Senior Woman Administrator, Student Athlete Advisory Committee Advisor and Cheerleading, Mascot and Dance Team Director. In 2007, Osbon received the Outstanding Commitment to Student Development Award from the Office of Student Life. In September 2003, the Aiken, S.C., native was promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Business and Student Services. Osbon earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC Aiken in 1992. In 1996, Osbon received her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. In 2002, Osbon was named student organization advisor of the year
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
The former Angie Mathis is married to Rick Osbon and they have three children, Reagan, Gemma and Sterling.
Brent Hager
Assistant Athletic Director
Brent C. Hager is in his fourth year as the Assistant Athletic Director for
Hager spent two and a half years at Gardner-Webb as the Assistant
Communications/Sports Information Director at USC Aiken.
Sports Information Director. He handled 13 sports throughout his time
Hager arrived at USC Aiken after serving as the Associate
with the Bulldogs. Hager also spent two years at Virginia Tech as an
Commissioner for External Affairs at the West Virginia Intercollegiate
intern in the sports information office. He handled all media requests
Athletic Conference where he handled the promotion of all 16 sports.
for the nationally-ranked men’s soccer program. Additionally, Hager
During his time at the WVIAC Hager featured the league’s only two
handled all media requests for the school’s only national champion at the
Division II National Champions and a National Player of the Year. In
time and worked with 14 All-Americans, five ACC Freshmen of the Year
addition, he ran multiple championships and redesigned the WVIAC
and numerous conference champions.
web site.
Hager got his start at UNC-Pembroke in 2002. After being hired as the
Prior to the WVIAC, Hager spent two years as the Director of Sports
Assistant Sports Information Director, he was promoted to the Interim
Information and Game Operations at Presbyterian College. He was the
Sports Information Director Position five months later.
primary contact for football, volleyball, men’s basketball, softball, men’s
The Tallahassee, Fla., native attended Wingate University where he
and women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s tennis.
received a bachelors of science degree in business administration and sport management. He earned an MBA at UNC-Pembroke in 2004.
Brandon Aiken
Assistant Athletic Director Brandon Aiken is in his 17th year as head athletic trainer and 17th
Hitchcock, he worked with high school, college, and professional
overall at USC Aiken.
athletes as well as general outpatient rehabilitation.
Aiken, a native of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., joined the USC Aiken training
Aiken guided the USC Aiken athletic training staff to back-to-back
staff in 1997 as a graduate assistant. He served in that capacity for three
(2007-08 and 2008-09) Peach Belt Conference Athletic Training Staff of
years until stepping into the head position in 2000.
the Year awards.
He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine
Aiken, who resides in Graniteville, is married to Malinda and the couple
prior to the 2009-10 athletic year.
has a son, Liam.
A 1997 graduate of Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C., Aiken received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. Aiken is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Aiken also served as assistant and head athletic trainer at Hitchcock Rehabilitation Center in Aiken, S.C., for more than three years. At
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Team Preview For the second consecutive season, the University of South Carolina Aiken cross country team has one of the youngest not only in the conference, but also the region.
Brook Thomas performed well for USC Aiken during her rookie campaign in 2015. She had two top-10 finishes, including a season-best ninth at the Bobcat Classic.
Head coach Kara Kinard enters her sixth year at the helm and has a wealth of talent returning, albeit a young squad.
“Brook put a lot of work into the off-season,” Kinard stated. “She’ll start the year with times that she had near the end of last year and will only get better. We are working to minimize the chances of an over-use injury in order to keep her healthy so she’ll have a great season. Brook has been pushing herself to stay near the front of the pack and has a lot of potential.”
The team is comprised of four juniors and a pair of sophomores. Amanda Bruenio is one of the two top returning runners on the squad. The junior from Cheraw, S.C., had a pair of top-10 finishes last year and has three for her career. “Amanda has been on the team since her freshman year,” Kinard said. “She’s a strong finisher who comes from a strong cross country background. Amanda has battled some over-use injuries, but with consistent training Amanda has the potential to be one of our top runners.”
Junior newcomers Jasmine Hill and Leah Jones were already enrolled at USC Aiken, but will be making her first appearance with the team this season. “Jasmine walked onto the team this year,” Kinard said. “She has already shown a good balance of speed and developing endurance. I’m pleased to see that she has a strong sense of self discipline and a good attitude.
Fellow third-year student-athlete Kyah Owusu has improved in each of her season’s with the Pacers. This year should be the same as Owusu has put the miles in during the offseason.
“Leah doesn’t have a cross country background, but she’s come out and has been enthusiastic about the workouts,” Kinard stated. “We’re working with her to keep her healthy and increase her mileage slowly.”
“I’m looking for Kyah to be a leader on the team,” Kinard stated. “She’s been on the team since she was a freshman and has shown a lot of improvement since she started. “Kyah has surprised us because she came here without a strong cross country background, but she has a lot of speed. I’m excited to see what she brings to the team this year.”
This season, the Pacers have five regular-season meets. The year is highlighted by the Pacer Invitational on Oct. 7.
Amber Laughinghouse walked onto the team prior to the 2015 season and put forth a solid effort. The native of Edgefield, S.C., posted a pair of top-20 finishes last year, including a 12th-place effort in her first collegiate race. “Amber has a great attitude and a strong work ethic,” Kinard said. “I’m surprised to see how hard she worked in the off-season and how dedicated she’s been to the team. She’s been working hard and does everything we ask of her. “Amber comes in on her own time to get better and is a good team leader. She’ll improve over her times from last season.” Sophomore Bethany Fordham was the team’s top runner in all but one meet last season. The rookie was named the USC Aiken Female Freshman Student-Athlete for her performances. Fordham had a pair of top-10 finishes, including one spot off the medal stand in her first collegiate meet. “Bethany was a standout during her first season with the team,” Kinard said. “She put a lot of work into the off-season as well and came back in really fit. Bethany has done well leading at practices. She’s covering a lot of distance on her runs and I’m really excited about her running this season while lowering her times.”
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
USC Aiken begins its campaign at the Bobcat Invitational Sept. 10. Last year, the Pacers finished second. From there, the team travels to the Bulldog Stampede Sept. 24. A week later, Kinard’s group competes at the USC Upstate Invitational before returning home for the Pacer Invitational Oct. 7. The team will look to reclaim its title, having finished second last year. USC Aiken concludes the regular season the following Friday at the Augusta Invitational. The Pacers compete at the PBC Championship Oct. 22 in Milledgeville, Ga., before making the trek to the NCAA Southeast Regional Championship hosted by Montevallo Nov. 5. Although the team is young, the experienced squad could make huge strides from their finishes a season ago.
Roster 
Name Amanda Bruenio Bethany Fordham Jasmine Hill Leah Jones Amber Laughinghouse Kyah Owusu Brook Thomas
Cl. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Fr.
Hometown/Previous School Cheraw, S.C. / Cheraw H.S. Groton, Mass. / Groton-Dunstable Regional H.S. Atlanta, Ga. / Wade Hampton H.S. Columbia, S.C./Airport H.S. Edgefield, S.C. / Strom Thurmond H.S. Locust Grove, Ga. / Locust Grove H.S. Ehrhardt, S.C. / Bamberg-Ehrhardt H.S.
Head Coach: Kara Kinard (6th Season) Assistant Coach: Russ Busbee (2nd Season)
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The Coach Kara Kinard Head Coach
Kara Kinard enters her sixth season in charge of Pacer cross
Gillespie picked up her first career individual meet win in the
country in 2016.
Francis Marion Invitational. Gillespie would go on to set USC
In 2015, Kinard led the team to a pair of runner-up finishes and a
Aiken’s new 6K mark by claiming a time of 23:24.2 in the NCAA
third-place effort. She led the team to the best finish in the program’s history as the squad won the USC Aiken Invitational by claiming the top five positions in 2014. Kinard’s team recorded four top-10 finishes on
Division II Southeast Region Championship at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte. For her efforts, Gillespie was tabbed to the all-Southeast region team for the first time in her career. Kinard’s first year as the head of the Pacers in 2011 was a
the season.
successful one.
Kinard guided the Pacers to a memorable season in 2013,
The Pacers hosted the 2011 Peach Belt Conference Cross
registering four top-five finishes and another top-10 effort. She guided Keely Gillespie to all-conference and all-region accolades
Country Championship at Pacer Path. USC Aiken finished eighth in the competition and would go on to finish 25th at the NCAA
while completing her career as the most dominant runner in
Southeast Regional.
school history.
Gillespie led the way for the Pacers by finishing 14th at the
Kinard coached Gillespie to the top three 5k times in school
PBC Championship. She earned All-Conference laurels via her
history and the top-five 6k times in the program’s history while
14th-place finish.
claiming three individual championships.
USC Aiken athletic director Randy Warrick announced in March
USC Aiken closed out its second season under Kinard in 2012
of 2011 that Kreutzer had been appointed as the new Pacer head
having finished in the top-10 in three out of its five meets.
women’s cross country coach.
The best finish of the year for USC Aiken came by USC Aiken
Warrick noted at the time of Kreutzer’s addition that “She has
winning the 5K Francis Marion Invitational on Sept. 14 at the Freedom Florence Recreational Complex. The team victory was the first for the Pacers since claiming the team title at the Siemens Technologies/USCB Invitational in 2007. USC Aiken now has four team meet victories in program history.
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been a part of a great cross country program at Augusta State and she will bring good knowledge and experience as a former collegiate runner to USC Aiken.” Previously Kinard spent a year as a student assistant coach for the men’s and women’s cross country teams. A December 2010 graduate of Augusta State with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, Kinard ran cross country and track for the PBC institution.
2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
Kinard was consistently a top five scorer for the Jaguar cross
Through the years, Kinard has participated in several mission
country program under the direction of Adam Ward. Kinard
trips and has been the road race director for multiple causes.
claimed all-academic honors in 2007 and 2008, while also being
In February of 2010, she was the charity road race director for
named to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll after the 2007-08 athletic year. Kinard was also a member of Augusta State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee all four years.
the Glazes of Glory 5K. The event benefitted the Make-A-Wish foundation. Last summer, she was the road race director for the Grassroots series, which benefitted the Augusta State cross
An extremely well-rounded individual, Kinard was a member of
country teams.
many other organizations during her time at Augusta State. She
Still an avid runner, Kinard continues to run half marathons,
was a member of the Biology Club, the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society and the Chemistry Club. Kreutzer was also a Student Ambassador Board member and a member of the Iota Pi Chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma.
marathons, half Ironman competitions in addition to road races. In May of 2014, Kinard earned her Master’s in clinical psychology from USC Aiken. Kinard, formerly Kreutzer, was married May 7, 2016.
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The Players Amanda Bruenio Bio
Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Hometown:
Cheraw, S.C.
Previous School:
Cheraw H.S.
2015: Recorded a sixth-place finish at the Bobcat Classic after crossing the line in 25:05 … Placed 96th with a time of 28:40 at the North Georgia Invitational … Finished seventh with a time of 23:14 at the USC Aiken Invitational … Took seventh after crossing in 21.29.4 at the Francis Marion Invitational … Finished 63rd with a time of 27:13 at the PBC Championship … Finished in 27:44.1 for 127th at the NCAA Southeast Regional. 2014: Posted a time of 23:02.8 for 165th place at the Royals Challenge … Placed fourth at the USC Aiken Invitational after finishing in 23:51 … Garnered a time of 27:01.68 to place 74th at the PBC Championship … Ran a 27:15.86 for 143rd at the NCAA Southeast Regional. High School: Attended Cheraw H.S. … Three-time all-region honoree in cross country … Four-time all-region selection in track … Was a state finalist on the track team as a sophomore … Three-time team MVP for cross country … Team MVP once for track … Posted a 20:59 5k time … Owns a 1,600m time of 5:50 and a 3,200m time of 12:26 … Scholar-athlete award winner. Personal: Amanda Elaine Bruneio was born on May 26, 1995 in Newport News, Va. … Daughter of Daniel and Amy Bruneio … Majoring in biology.
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
Amber Laughinghouse Bio
Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Hometown:
Edgefield, S.C.
Previous School:
Strom Thurmond H.S.
2015: Crossed the finish line in 31:24, earning a 12th-place finish at the Bobcat Classic … Posted a 22nd-place finish with a time of 28:29.58 at the USC Aiken Invitational … Garnered 18th place after finishing in 27:47.1 at the Francis Marion Invitational … Notched a time of 34:30 for 79th place at the PBC Championship … Tallied a time of 38:37.9 for 174th at the NCAA Southeast Regional. High School: Attended Strom Thurmond H.S. Personal: Amber Laughinghouse was born August 1, 1996 … Daughter of Lynn and Julia Laughinghouse … Has three younger siblings, Katelynn, Tori and Noah … Majoring in nursing.
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Kyah Owusu Bio
Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Hometown:
Locust Grove, Ga.
Previous School:
Locust Grove H.S.
2015: Tallied a 13th-place finish at the Bobcat Classic, finishing in 31:25 … Took 129th with a time of 35:51 at the North Georgia Invitational … Placed 23rd after crossing the line in 28:31.15 at the USC Aiken Invitational … Was 20th with a time of 28:43.6 at the Francis Marion Invitational … Recorded a time of 34:30 for 80th place at the PBC Championship … Crossed the finish line in 36:56.4 for 172nd at the NCAA Southeast Regional. 2014: Finished 52nd at the Bobcat Invitational … Notched a time of 30:30.11 at the Jaguar Invitational, crossing in 85th place … Registered a time of 28:32.2 at the Royals Challenge … Earned an eighth-place finish at the USC Aiken Invitational after finishing in 25:58 … Garnered a time of 29:48.09 to take 79th at the PBC Championship … Registered a time of 33:21.73 for 168th at the NCAA Southeast Regional. High School: Attended Locust Grove H.S. ... Four-year letterwinnerin track and field ... Two-time letterwinner in cross country ... Also played basketball ... Posted a time of 24:56.50 in the 5k as a senior ... Garnered a 100m hurdle time of 16.85 as a sophomore. Personal: Kyah Nan-Ama Owusu is the daughter of Neequaye and Ronay Wills ... Has three siblings, Kahlil, Jasmine and Jaden ... Majoring in exercise science.
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
Bethany Forhdam Quick Facts Class:
So.
Hometown:
Groton, Mass.
Previous School:
Groton-Dunstable Regional H.S.
Bio 2015: Earned a fourth-place finish with a time of 24:08 at the Bobcat Classic … Finished 63rd with a time of 26:34 at the North Georgia Invitational … Tallied a fifth-place finish after crossing the line in 21:52.50 at the USC Aiken Invitational … Placed sixth with a time of 21:23.1 at the Francis Marion Invitational … Posted a 60th-place finish with a time of 26:47 at the PBC Championship … Registered a time of 29:24.5 for 154th place at the NCAA Southeast Regional. High School: Attended Groton Dunstable Regional H.S. ... Four-year letterwinner in track and two-year letterwinner in cross country ... Qualified for the divisional championship all four years for track and cross country ... Fourth in the league for the mile as a senior ... League all-star as a junior ... Captained the team as a senior. Personal: Bethany Charlotte Fordham was born July 5, 1997 in Cambridge, England ... Daughter of Jeremy and Roselyn Fordham ... Has three siblings, Nicholas, Olivia and Matthew ... Majoring in nursing.
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Brooke Thomas Bio
Quick Facts Class:
So.
Hometown:
Ehrhardt, S.C.
Previous School:
Bamberg-Ehrhardt H.S.
2015: Crossed the line in 26:36, which was good enough for ninth place at the Bobcat Classic … Finished 116th with a time of 30:49 at the North Georgia Invitational … Posted a 10th-place finish, crossing the line in 23:56.62 at the USC Aiken Invitational … Registered a 12th-place finish in a time of 23:21.6 at the Francis Marion Invitational … Garnered a time of 28:56, which was good enough for 72nd place at the PBC Championship … Recorded a time of 31:44.4 for 168th at the NCAA Southeast Regional. High School: Attended Bamberg-Ehrhardt H.S. ... Four-time allregion selection for cross country ... Multi-sport student-athlete ... Won the region as a junior ... Finished in the top six in three events at the state meet as a senior ... Captained the cross country and track and field teams ... Awarded the Isaih Cann Athletic Scholarship. Personal: Aelxandra Brook Thomas was born Aug. 17, 1997 in Orangeburg, S.C. ... Daughter of Travis and Cara Thomas ... Has a younger brother, Kevin ... Majoring in exercise and sports science.
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
Jasmine Hill Bio
Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Hometown:
Atlanta, Ga.
Previous School:
Wade Hampton H.S.
High School: Attended Wade Hampton H.S. ... All-state honoree in basketball as a senior ... Three-time all-region honoree in basketball and volleyball ... Led her team to a pair of region championships in track and field. Personal: Jasmine Hill was born Jan. 31, 1994 in Atlanta, Ga. ... Daughter of Christopher HIll and Brenda Royster ... Has three younger siblings ... Majoring in elementary education.
Leah Jones
Bio 2015: Crossed the line in 26:36, which was good enough for ninth place at the Bobcat Classic … Finished 116th with a time of 30:49 at the North Georgia Invitational … Posted a 10th-place finish, crossing the line in 23:56.62 at the USC Aiken Invitational … Registered a 12th-place finish in a time of 23:21.6 at the Francis Marion Invitational … Garnered a
Quick Facts
time of 28:56, which was good enough for 72nd place at the
Class:
Jr.
Hometown:
Columbia, S.C.
Previous School:
Airport H.S.
PBC Championship … Recorded a time of 31:44.4 for 168th at the NCAA Southeast Regional. High School: Attended Bamberg-Ehrhardt H.S. ... Four-time allregion selection for cross country ... Multi-sport student-athlete ... Won the region as a junior ... Finished in the top six in three events at the state meet as a senior ... Captained the cross country and track and field teams ... Awarded the Isaih Cann Athletic Scholarship. Personal: Aelxandra Brook Thomas was born Aug. 17, 1997 in Orangeburg, S.C. ... Daughter of Travis and Cara Thomas ... Has a younger brother, Kevin ... Majoring in exercise and sports science.
2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
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The Archives 2015 Season Review The 2015 University of South Carolina Aiken cross country team was one of the youngest in the region. However, under the guidance of head coach Kara Kreutzer, the Pacers exceeded expectations at some of the meets while gaining consistency from the young squad as the season wore on. Ultimately, USC Aiken performed well in the six meets and could shine in years to come since it had just one senior on the team.
In addition to the dyad of rookies, USC Aiken had three more newcomers to collegiate cross country. However, that did not deter Kreutzer or the team – as the squad came together to have a solid campaign.
The Pacers’ roster had one senior in Samantha Lisek and only one junior in newcomer Brooke Inman. The rest of the squad was bolstered by four sophomores in Amanda Bruenio, Makayla Dudley, Amber Laughinghouse and Kyah Owusu and a pair of freshmen in Bethany Fordham and Brook Thomas.
At the season-opening meet at the Bobcat Classic, hosted by Georgia College, USC Aiken had Fordham register a fourth-place finish at the 5k event. She posted a time of 23:8 in her first collegiate race, besting the rest of her teammates by at least two minutes. Fordham’s effort helped the Pacers record a second-place finish at the meet.
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
In five of the six meets, the Pacers were led by a rookie in Fordham. The only time a returner guided the squad was on the muddy course at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championship as Bruenio led the team.
The Pre-conference meet saw USC Aiken record a 19thplace effort. The team was led by Fordham’s 63rd-place effort in the 133-person field. At the 6k-event, Fordham crossed the finish line in 26:34. The squad bounced back to finish second at its lone home meet of the year. Kreutzer’s squad had three top-10 runners and all five scorers placed in the top-18 competitors. Fordham notched a time of 21:52.5 for fifth place while Bruenio and Thomas garnered seventh and 10th places, respectively. Lisek posted a 14th-place finish at her last home event of her career. With the outstanding effort, the squad bested Peach Belt Conference foe Francis Marion.
The team made the trek to Florence, S.C., for the Francis Marion Invitational Oct. 16. Fordham once again tallied a top-10 finish, earning a sixth-place effort with a time of 21:23.1. Bruenio was right behind her, crossing the line in 21:29.4. The duo helped guide the Pacers to a third-place finish at the regular-season finale. USC Aiken continued to push hard and it paid off at the PBC Championship. By running close together, the team improved on the 2014 finish at the conference championship, besting the Patriots for the third straight week. Fordham led the team at the 6k race with a time of 26:47 for 60th place. Bruenio was three spots behind her. Thomas, Lisek and Dudley were 72nd, 76th and 77th, respectively, helping the team best FMU by 23 points.
2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
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Competing on a tough course after a day of rain, the Pacers placed 27th at the NCAA Southeast Region Championship, which was hosted by Wingate. This time, Bruenio led USC Aiken – and she did so in fine fashion. The sophomore ran the 6k race in 27:44.1, besting her teammates by nearly two minutes. It marked the first time the second-year runner was at the front for Kreutzer’s team, but it also helped build a solid foundation for the 2016 season. Earlier in the season, Lisek was named to the PBC allacademic team for her work in the classroom. With seven returners for next season, the Pacers will be able to improve upon what can be described as a solid season.
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
Record Book
School Records Best Time (5K)
Top Five Times (6K)
Runner
Time
Meet
Runner
Time
Meet
Keely Gillespie
19:34
Lenoir-Rhyne Invitational (2010)
Keely Gillespie
22:21.59
2013 PBC Championship
Keely Gillespie
23:05.1
2013 NCAA Southeast Regional
Keely Gillespie
23:24
2012 NCAA Southeast Regional
Keely Gillespie
23:40
2012 PBC Championship
Keely Gillespie
23:42
2011 NCAA Southeast Regional
Best Time (6K) Runner
Time
Meet
Keely Gillespie
23:24
2012 NCAA Southeast Regional
Individual Meet Wins
Team Meet Wins Meet
Year
Runner
Meet
USC Aiken Invitational Francis Marion Invitational
2014 2012
Keely Gillespie
Francis Marion Invitational (2013)
Keely Gillespie
Bridgestone-Pacer Invitational (2013)
Siemens Technologies/USCB Invitational (dual meet)
2007
Keely Gillespie
Francis Marion Invitational (2012)
12th Annual Patriot Cross Country Festival (dual meet) 2001
Nicole Maitland
Blue Hose Invitational (2008)
Augusta State University (dual meet)
Nicole Maitland
Siemens Technologies/USCB Invitational (dual meet) (2007)
Marcie Milner
ASICS/Winthrop Invitational (2006)
Kelley Shemansky
12th Annual Patriot Cross Country Festival (dual meet) (2001)
Sarah Estrada
Augusta State (dual meet) (2000)
2000
Top Five Times (5K) Runner
Time
Meet
Keely Gillespie
19:34
Lenoir-Rhyne Invitational (2010)
Keely Gillespie
19:39
Francis Marion Invitational (2013)
Keely Gillespie
19:44
Charlotte Invitational (2011)
Nicole Maitland
19:47
Blue Hose Invitational (2008)
Marcie Milner
19:57
USC Gamecock Invitational (2006)
2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
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2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
2016 USC Aiken Cross Country
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