ALBANY, Ga. ^__ Tuskegee men's and women's cross country teams each earned second place team finishes over the weekend at the Willie Laster Cross Country Invitational, hosted by Albany State.

The Golden Tigers showcased balance and determination on both sides, with standout individual performances helping secure podium placements in a competitive field of regionally recognized programs.
 
On the men's side, Tuskegee fielded a strong line-up of runners who finished among the top competitors and finished second as a unit with a time of 2:29.33, behind just Clayton State (2:16:19).
 
Malcolm Kibiwot logged one of the team's best times, placing sixth overall in the men's 8K with a mark of 27:31.70.
 
Gabriel Carty and Jayden Davidson also placed in the top 15 with times of 28:48.10 and 29:04.9, respectfully, while Bethwel Kibet (29:40.30) finished 18th, helping the Golden Tigers' men finish in the team standings. Their performance reflected not only individual fitness but consistency across multiple scoring positions.
 
The women's squad turned in similarly strong performances, finishing second overall led by Anaya Martin, who crossed the finish line in third place in the women's 5K with a time of 20:37.00
 
Taylor Franklin continued her strong start to the season, posting a time of 21:31.50, placing seventh, while Akierah Walker (22:39.6), and Shalyha Tresvant (22:43.8) both finished in the top 15, reinforcing the squad's depth.
 
The top five finishers for Tuskegee were separated by mere seconds, highlighting how tightly packed and competitive the women's field was and how well Tuskegee held its own.
 
Tuskegee's cross country squads now prepare for their next test, this Friday at the Twilight at PR'ville meet, in Huntsville Alabama, where both teams hope to sharpen strategy, improve race execution, and continue scaling upward in tight competition.
 
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