Saturday, October 17
Spartanburg, S.C.
9 a.m.
Mercer University
at
Upstate Invite
Cross Country Competes at Upstate Invite for Regular Season Finale
10/16/2026 12:00:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
MACON, Ga. – Mercer Cross Country travels to Spartanburg, S.C. to compete at the Upstate Invite hosted by USC Upstate  at the Milliken Research Park on Oct. 17. The meet kicks off at 9 a.m. with the women's 5K and is followed by the men's 8K at 9:45 a.m.
At the Paul Short Run two weeks ago, William Poelker led the men's team for the third consecutive meet, running a 26:26.4 8K. On the women's side, Paula Sandoval led the team with a 21:42.3 personal best 6K to finish 55th overall. Ania San Roman Lopez and Chiara Belfico finished right behind her with times of 21:47.8 and 21:48.7, respectively, to place 66th and 68th. Mary Grace Parker rounded out the Bears top performers, placing 89th with a 22:01.3 6K.
After this meet, Mercer remained in eighth place at the USTFCCCA South Regional Ranking, the highest the team has placed in program history. The Bears are also the highest ranked team in Georgia.
The Milliken Research Park, located adjacent to the USC Upstate campus, has played host to many collegiate events, including the Upstate Invite, the 2010 Atlantic Sun Conference Championships, the 1995 NCAA Division II National Championships, and will host the 2026 Big South Championships.
At the Paul Short Run two weeks ago, William Poelker led the men's team for the third consecutive meet, running a 26:26.4 8K. On the women's side, Paula Sandoval led the team with a 21:42.3 personal best 6K to finish 55th overall. Ania San Roman Lopez and Chiara Belfico finished right behind her with times of 21:47.8 and 21:48.7, respectively, to place 66th and 68th. Mary Grace Parker rounded out the Bears top performers, placing 89th with a 22:01.3 6K.
After this meet, Mercer remained in eighth place at the USTFCCCA South Regional Ranking, the highest the team has placed in program history. The Bears are also the highest ranked team in Georgia.
The Milliken Research Park, located adjacent to the USC Upstate campus, has played host to many collegiate events, including the Upstate Invite, the 2010 Atlantic Sun Conference Championships, the 1995 NCAA Division II National Championships, and will host the 2026 Big South Championships.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
Tuesday, October 13
Sunday, October 11
Saturday, October 10
Tuesday, October 06
