Mercer University
Julius Johnson Invitational
Jama Leads Mercer to the Julius Johnson Invitational Title
9/25/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
MACON, Ga. – Mercer University freshman Ahmed Jama picked up his first collegiate win on Friday night, leading the men's cross country to dominant win in the inaugural Julius Johnson Invitational.
The Bears came close to a perfect score, placing five runners among the top-seven to cruise to the team title with a total tally of 23 on their home course. Jacksonville State finished second with a score of 36 on the evening.
Jama led from the start in the second 8k of his career, winning the 35-competitor race with a time of 26:52.16. Nicholas Ashmead was the next Bear to complete the course, finishing fourth with a time of 28:18.57.
Mark Brannen and Abraham Balawi made it four Mercer runners in the top six with near identical times of 28:37.70 and 28:38.70. Evan Park rounded out the top five for Mercer, crossing the line in 28:58.56 to give the Bears their best score since totaling 18 in 2014's triumph at the Struts Season Opener.
Connor Veith finished ninth in 29:20.94 to lead the rest of the Mercer contingent, as he was followed by Cameron Gatt (29:21.42), Ross Porter (29:22.80), Aurelien Bourgeon (29:27.53) and Justin Hanson (29:39.26).
The Bears return to action next weekend, as they compete in the Upstate Invitational in Spartanburg, S.C. on Oct. 3.
Players Mentioned
