Columbia College (SC) Men’s Cross-Country Set to Run Inaugural Meet

Columbia, SC –This Saturday, Sept. 4, Columbia College (SC) men's cross-country team will go down in the school's record book. Under the direction of Justin Bishop, the Koalas will have a men's team competing in the sport for the first time. Columbia College will participate in the Buccaneer Invitational hosted by Charleston Southern.

The men's race gets underway at 9 am.

"I am excited about this season," said Bishop. "The dynamics in the practices have changed for the better since adding a men's program. This race on Saturday will show us where we are coming off our summer aerobic training."

Freshman Robert Robbins (Fort Mill, SC/Fort Mill HS) expressed his excitement of being a member of the first men's cross-country team at Columbia College. "It feels amazing to be part of the first men's cross-country team for Columbia College because we get to set the tone for the upcoming years and develop a winning culture that the women's team has already done," said Robbins.

Bishop feels the opening meet is a gauge of where the team is early on and will set the stage for the remainder of the season.

"With still nine weeks to go before the conference championship, we're already looking pretty good with two potential National Qualifiers on the men's side," stated Bishop.

"Coach Bishop has done a great job with the women's program, and I have no doubt that he will continue the tradition with the men's program," said Director of Athletics Debbie Wardlaw. 

Columbia College women's team will also compete at the Buccaneer Invitational on Saturday. The women are set to begin at 9:45 am. Coach Bishop is optimistic about how his women will fair in the meet.

"The ladies' team had their best time trial on Monday since I've taken over the program," said Bishop. "This weekend should be a confidence booster. Hoping to have two National Qualifiers on the ladies' side as well."

After the season-opening meet, the Koalas will have two weeks off before heading to Spartanburg, SC to compete at Converse University.

For up-to-date information on Koala Athletics, visit the athletics website at www.gokoalas.com.