WINGATE, N.C. | Georgia College & State University enjoyed its best finish at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Championships Saturday (Nov. 8) morning since 2018.

The Bobcats, who were ranked 10th in the region, finished in ninth place out of 25 teams with 288 points. It was the best finish for GCSU since they finished in eighth place in the 2018 regionals. Host Wingate University (16 points), Anderson (S.C.) University (58) and Flagler College (83) were the top three teams and advance to the national meet in two weeks.

Shipley Smith had the best time on the 10K course at the Wingate Cross Country Facility with a time of 33:52.6 to finish in 46th place out of 173 competitors. Zach Hilyer set a personal best time of 34:03.8 and came in 54th, while Karl Ritzler posted a time of 34:28.9 for a career best as he placed 62nd. Noah Boyd came in 68th with a time of 34:40.8, while Evan Rehrauer was two positions back in 70th with a time of 34:42.2. Daniel Laird was 85th with a time of 35:13.2 and Nolan Lane had a PR with an effort of 36:09.0 and came in 108th.

About GCSU Athletics 
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for four consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won five consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence, and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life." Sign up at @GCSUBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports or subscribe to the GSCU Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with GCSU Athletics.