Panthers Open 2026 Cross-Country Season at Converse Kickoff
Terica Peay
Spartanburg, S.C. — The Claflin University men's and women's cross-country teams officially kicked off their 2026 season at the Converse Kickoff, hosted by Converse University. Both Panther squads finished in 15th place.
This season opener allowed the Panthers to test themselves in competition and lay a foundation for the remainder of the season.
On the men's side,
Devaun Rolle led Claflin across the finish line in the 8K event, posting a time of 28:36.7. He was followed by sophomore
Eureka Washington, who finished at 29:06.1. Freshman
Lavell Irving came in next with a time of 30:01.2, followed by freshman
Armon Harris at 31:10.4. Senior
Kristopher Robinson rounded out the Panthers' scoring five with a time of 32:47.2.
For the women's team, freshman
Jael Pratt led the Panthers in the 6K race, finishing with a time of 26:33.4. Sophomore
Jamiya Carter followed with a time of 31:31.6, and junior
Brea Childs finished at 38:10.3. Senior
Zhaire Mack posted a time of 38:59.7, while junior
Alannah Dixon crossed the finish line at 39:00.2.
With the opening meet now complete, both Panther teams will shift their focus to the next challenge.
Up Next
Claflin returns to action Friday, Sept. 25, at the Winthrop Invitational, hosted by Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Stay Connected
For complete coverage of Claflin Athletics, follow us on social media at @claflin_athletics (Instagram) or Claflin University-Athletics (Facebook), or visit the official home of the Panthers at www.athletics.claflins.edu.
About Claflin University Athletics
Claflin University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution that sponsors 13 intercollegiate sports. The university's athletic program includes volleyball; women's flag football; men's and women's cross country; men's and women's basketball; softball; men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field; and baseball. Claflin's teams compete primarily in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), while the baseball program competes in the Peach Belt Conference
