Jackson State Cross Country Opens Season with Wins at MC Opener

Clinton, Miss. — Jackson State University’s men’s and women’s cross country teams kicked off their 2026 season Friday night at the MC Opener at Choctaw Trails. Freshman Ryan Achau won the men’s 5K race, leading the Tigers to a fifth-place team finish, while the women’s team placed fifth overall.

Achau finished first in the men’s race with a time of 15 minutes, 5.3 seconds. His victory marked the second consecutive year a Jackson State runner has won the event, following Godfrey Kimuati’s win last season, according to meet organizers.

The men’s team scored 131 points, finishing ahead of conference opponents Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State, as well as Tougaloo College and Millsaps College. Mississippi Christian claimed first place with 36 points, followed by ULM with 59 and Mobile with 98.

On the women’s side, ULM took the team title with 29 points. Jackson State finished fifth with 163 points, behind Mississippi Christian and MC Alumni. The women’s individual winner was Tuva Sandberg of ULM, who finished in 18 minutes, 7.4 seconds.

Jackson State’s women recorded two runners in the top 25, including freshman Sya Bolden, who competed in her first collegiate race. The Tigers are scheduled to compete next at the ULM Cross Country Invitational in Monroe, Louisiana, on Sept. 25, according to the university’s athletics department.

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