ABAC competes in first cross country meet

Published 9:00 am Thursday, September 15, 2022

TIFTON — Cross country made its official debut for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Sept. 9, with head coach Mike Beeman’s Stallions and Fillies participating in Georgia Military College’s Brickyard Invitational.

This was the first meet in school history. Beeman felt it in several ways, but not in the outcome.

“They performed above expectations,” said Beeman.

Katie McMillan finished 12th overall, running in 24:29, according to results. Brianna Zupko was 20th at 25:36, with Brooke Wright, Reagan Pate, Kelly McKeirnan and Jennifer Chambers representing the squad as well.

Gabe Lewis was the fastest for the Stallions. If his name sounds familiar, it is because he already stars in another sport for the Stallions — golf. Mason Bailey and Tucker Parrish participated at GMC.

Lewis was 23rd at the meet. “He’s a great athlete and an even better kid,” said Beeman.

ABAC faced mostly Georgia schools at the meet, which took place at Council Farms southwest of Milledgeville: In-state opponents were Truett-McConnell, Reinhardt, Middle Georgia State, GMC, Wesleyan and Brewton-Parker. They were also joined on the trail by the University of South Carolina-Aiken.

They will be seeing more of the course at future meets. Following a date at West Georgia Sept. 24, they will be back at the same course, he said, Oct. 8 for the Georgia College and State University Invitational. The Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association finals will be Oct. 19.

Beeman is appreciating the support from all of ABAC. He said faculty and other teams have been very encouraging, telling cross country that it is making history. Cross country is ABAC’s first new sport since women’s soccer was added.

“The kids really felt special,” he said.

The future looks even bigger and brighter for ABAC. Beeman said he has already heard from a number of area athletes about joining the program next season.