Panthers Turn in Strong Showing at Winthrop Invitational
Terica Peay
Rock Hill, S.C. — Claflin cross country continued its 2026 campaign Friday at the Winthrop Invitational, competing against a competitive field that included NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and NAIA programs.
The Panthers made their presence felt, with the men's team placing third and the women's team finishing fourth at the meet hosted by Winthrop University.
On the men's side, freshman
Devaun Rolle led the way for Claflin, crossing the finish line in 27:35.1 to establish a personal best in the 8K. His performance paced the Panthers as they secured a third-place team finish.
Eureka Washington followed Rolle with a 28:55.0, while
Armon Harris posted a personal-best time of 29:47.7. Freshmen
Lavell Irving and
Kristopher Robinson rounded out Claflin's scoring five, finishing in 29:56.3 and 30:23.8, respectively.
Sophomore
Jamiya Carter led the women's team, finishing the 5K in 25:46.6 to place 18th overall.
Obiageli Akubude followed with 28:37.8, while
Brea Childs finished in 28:55.9.
Senior
Zhaire Mack recorded a personal-best time of 30:40.7, with freshman Allyson Watson and junior
Alannah Dixon completing the Panthers' lineup in 31:41.9 and 31:42.0, respectively.
Up Next
With another competitive meet under their belts, Claflin will turn its attention to the Sand Shark Invitational on Oct. 10 in Bluffton, South Carolina. The meet will be hosted by the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
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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.
