Kayla Howard set the tone for the Tuskegee University Cross Country team Friday evening leading the Golden Tigers to a third place finish at the UWG Home Opener, hosted by the University of West Georgia. The men's team would finish fifth in TU's third invite of the season.
 
Howard crossed the line first for Skegee clocking in with a time of 24:38.1 in the 5k race. Kailyn Thrash was on her heels at 24:58.1 while Angelique Johnson clocked in at 25:34.1. All three would finish within the first 15 out of 35 runners. The women's squad totaled 72 points with a total time of 2:12.52.
 
On the men's team, Jelani White was the first Golden Tiger to cross the line. His time of 31:44.3 paced TU in the men's 8k race. Brandon Crockett would be the next Skegee runner to round out the team's top finishers.

Both teams will compete at the JSU Foothills Invitational Oct. 5 hosted by Jacksonville State. The meet will take place in Oxford, Ala.