Senior Spotlight: Men's Cross Country

2024 Men's Cross Country Senior Spotlight

These six seniors have been staples of the Piedmont Men's Cross Country program for the past four seasons. They have led the team to a 4th place USA South Championship finish in 2021, a 2nd place CCS finish in 2022 and then crossed the line first at the 2023 CCS Championships. Individually, they boast five CCS Runner of the Week nods and have combined for six appearances on the All-Conference listing and also have an All-Region honor. Academically, they have made four USA South and CCS All-Academic Team appearances and have an appearance on the CSC Academic All-District Team

Bradford has appeared in 17 meets over three seasons with the Lions. In his debut season of 2022, he was able to parlay a 32nd place finish at the South Region Championships into a USTFCCCA All-Region appearance. Layton was an All-CCS Second Team member in 2022 and made the All-CCS First Team in 2023 after a 2nd place finish at the CCS Championships. His 8k PR at the 2023 Roanoke XC Invitational of 25:46.6 set a new school record at the time. Bradford is also a two-time CCS Runner of the Week, having won the award once in 2023 and once this season.

Capelle has appeared in 22 meets over five competing seasons for the Lions. He has saved his best for last, as he set a new PR and school record in the 8k last time out at the Roanoke XC Invitational (25:21.2). Walker's ascension has been recognized at the conference level, as he has been named CCS Runner of the Week three times this fall. He was an All-CCS First Team member in 2023, finishing third at the CCS Championships and helping the Lions raise the trophy.

Cox has raced in 23 meets over four seasons in Demorest. He is a two-time All-CCS Second Team selection, finishing 10th in 2022 before improving to 7th in 2023 while helping the Lions claim the championship. Tucker saved his best runs for the biggest meets, as he set new personal bests at the 2021 USA South Championship and again at the CCS Championship. His current PR was set at the Roanoke XC Invitational (26:25.3). In the classroom, Cox is a two-time CCS All-Academic Team selection.

Gonzales has appeared in 20 meets over four seasons at Piedmont. He delivered a 9th place finish at the 2023 CCS Championships, helping the Lions raise the trophy at home while also earning himself a spot on the All-CCS Second Team. He ran a personal best in the 8k at the 2023 Roanoke XC Invitational.

Maxwell has competed in six meets across two seasons with the Lions. He made two appearances in 2019 before returning to the team this season and racing in two more events. This season, he ran a personal best in the 8k at the Roanoke XC Invitational.

Sligh has made 16 appearances over four seasons with the Lions. He set his 8k personal best at the Queen City Invite in 2022. He delivered a 27th place finish at the 2023 CCS Championships, helping Piedmont capture the team title at home. In the classroom, Peter is a two-time Academic All-Conference honoree and was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team in 2023.