Jackson State Cross Country Caps Historic Inaugural Season with Conference Podium Finish and National Qualifiers

JACKSON, TN – Jackson State Community College men's and women's cross country closed out a historic inaugural season in impressive fashion, highlighted by a women's team podium finish at the TCCAA Championships and two Green Jays competing on the national stage at the NJCAA National Championships.

In their first year of competition, the JSCC women's team raced to a 3rd-place finish in the TCCAA, establishing the Green Jays as an immediate contender within the conference. Leading the way was standout runner Jonathan Graves, who finished 5th overall in the conference, earning First Team All-Region honors and cementing his place among the league's elite.

The momentum from the conference championship carried into the postseason as two JSCC runners qualified for and competed in the NJCAA National Championships, marking another historic milestone for the upstart program.

"For a first-year program, what our student-athletes accomplished is nothing short of remarkable," said Athletic Director Dr. Kevin K. Lynum. "They set a standard for effort, accountability, and pride in the Green Jay across every course we stepped on this fall. This is a foundation we can build on for years to come."

Throughout the season, the Green Jays competed against established programs across the region, steadily lowering times and gaining valuable experience with each meet. The inaugural campaign was defined by consistent improvement, team culture, and resilience, as the student-athletes balanced training, competition, and the classroom.

"We asked a lot of them this year," said Coach Priddy. "New program, new expectations, tough competition every weekend. They responded with work ethic and belief. To leave year one with a conference podium, an All-Region performer, and national qualifiers speaks volumes about who they are."

In addition to success on the course, the cross country teams embodied the mission of Green Jay Athletics by representing JSCC with character, sportsmanship, and commitment to their academics.

"This group has laid the groundwork," added Dr. Lynum. "Future Green Jays will look back at this inaugural class as the ones who proved what's possible at Jackson State. We are incredibly proud of them."

With the first season now complete, JSCC cross country will turn its focus to offseason development and recruiting as the program looks to build on its early success and continue elevating its presence at the conference and national levels.

For more information on Jackson State Community College Cross Country and Green Jay Athletics, please visit JSCCGreenJays.com and follow @JSCCGreenJays on social media.