Flagler Women’s Cross Country: Celebrating Eighth Straight PBC Championship Victory!

Flagler College has made history by winning its eighth consecutive Peach Belt Conference (PBC) women’s cross-country championship. The event took place at the Bobcat Cross Country Course, where the Saints finished strong with just 21 points.

This victory breaks the previous record for consecutive championships held by Kennesaw State from 1994 to 2000. It’s also Flagler’s ninth overall title in the PBC.

Chloe Smith led the way, completing the 5k course in an impressive 18:42.9, earning her the title of Individual Champion. She’s the fourth Flagler athlete in a row to claim this honor. Meanwhile, Augusta’s Madison Thomas was named PBC Runner of the Year for her stellar season, including a fastest time of 18:01.91 at the Queen City Royals XC Invitational. She earned this recognition from coaches and finished third in the championship event.

The PBC also highlighted standout performances by other athletes. North Georgia’s Ahna Hicks finished fourth and was named Freshman of the Year. The All-Conference team featured top runners like Abigail Misch and Clemence Treguer from Flagler.

In addition to athletic achievements, Elizabeth Padilla Brun from North Georgia won the Elite 18 Award, which recognizes the student-athlete with the highest GPA at each PBC championship. Padilla Brun, a senior, has a perfect 4.00 GPA and has won multiple academic honors.

Brian Beil, Flagler’s coach, was named Coach of the Year for the eighth straight season, a testament to his leadership and the team’s consistent performance.

As women’s cross-country grows in popularity, the competition is increasing. Recent surveys indicate a rise in participation at the collegiate level, with many programs focusing on both athletic and academic excellence.

Thus, this year’s PBC championships not only celebrated impressive athletic achievements but also the dedication to education, highlighting the balance athletes maintain between sports and studies.

For a deeper dive into the Peach Belt Conference and its history, you can visit the official PBC website.

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