Gamecocks Make History at SEC Cross Country Championship
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 31, 2025) – For the fifth time this season and the first time at the SEC Championship, South Carolina Cross Country earned yet another podium finish. The Gamecocks made history with a bronze medal finish with 130 points as a unit, the best finish at the SEC Championship in program history.
Salma Elbadra led the charge for the Garnet & Black, running 20:01.4 for the fourth fastest 6K in Gamecock history. Elbadra’s time was good enough for fifth overall, marking the best individual finish by a South Carolina runner at the SEC Championship. Elbadra added some hardware due to her individual finish, capturing First Team All-SEC honors in addition to a spot on the SEC All-Freshman squad.
Teresa Cherotich was the second fastest Gamecock to cross the line, running 20:38.4 to finish 21st overall and earn the final spot on the Third Team All-SEC squad. This is the second consecutive season that Cherotich has earned All-SEC honors. Elbadra and Cherotich mark just the third duo in program history to earn All-SEC honors in the same season, including the second time in three years under the direction of distance coach Brock Moreaux.
Anya Arroyo was the third scorer for the Gamecocks, running a personal best time of 20:40.1 to place 23rd overall. Abigail White also secured a new personal best, clocking 21:01.1 to finish 39th overall. Arroyo’s time was good enough for eighth in program history, while White’s new personal best jumped her into 14th all-time. The final scorer was newcomer, Abir Reffas, who was able to cross the line in 21:06.2 for the 16th fastest time in Gamecock history.
Florida took home the team crown with 45 points, followed by Alabama in second with 117 and the Gamecocks in third with 130. Individually, Alabama’s Doris Lemngole captured the individual title after running 19:32.37.
South Carolina will continue its postseason run on Friday, Nov. 14 when the Gamecocks travel to Charlottesville, Va. to take part in the NCAA Southeast Regional at 10 a.m.
Team Results
1. Florida – 45 points
2. Alabama – 117 points
3. South Carolina – 130 points
Individual Gamecock Results
5. Salma Elbadra – 20:01.4*
21. Teresa Cherotich – 20:38.4
23. Anya Arroyo – 20:40.1*
39. Abigail White – 21:01.1*
42. Abir Reffas – 21:06.2
48. Cate Conklin – 21:11.1
54. Jade Buridon – 21:20.4*
63. Mary Frances Iseman – 21:36.9
73. Allie Matasich – 21:53.8*
75. Emma Torbert – 21:55.2
88. Eline Mast – 22:08.4
92. Hattie Jennings – 22:14.5
* – denotes 6K personal best
