Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Sun Belt Conference Championships
10/30/2026 1:25:00 PM | Cross Country
Marshall Men finish 3rd led by All-Conference runners Justin Lipscomb, Amos Kimble, Ryan Hughes
FOLEY, Ala. - An already historic season for Marshall Cross Country's Rachael Withrow has reached gold status.
The Herd's senior from Winfield, West Virginia has capped off a perfect season to this point by winning the 2026 Sun Belt Conference Women's Individual Championship with a Gold Medal and new conference championship-record time of 16:15.65.
The Sun Belt CHAMPION ‼️🔥🥇🏆 https://t.co/NhSbQHfTV2
— Marshall TF/XC (@HerdTFXC) October 30, 2026
Withrow - who entered the championship meet with four meet wins and four SBC Runner of the Week awards - won the race by nearly 50 seconds. She is the program's second all-time conference champion runner (Kylee Mastin-2024).
"It was such a beautiful morning to be out here, we could not have asked for better weather," said Withrow. "It was just so fun to be out here to compete with these girls, to compete with the team, and see what happens. At the end of the day, it's all glory to God, it's not me and I just get to go out here and have fun. Keeping it light, keeping it loose, that is what I enjoy the most."
Withrow has been named the SBC Women's Runner of the Year. She is additionally named the SBC Newcomer of the Year and a First Team All-SBC member.
"I feel like both teams put together some really good performances today, and I couldn't be more proud of this group," said Director of XC/TF Keith Roberts. "Rachael had a superhuman performance! To win the race and break the meet record is special, to say the least. She transferred here with a mission from day one, and that mission was to leave a legacy. Today was another example of what happens when talent, hard work, and determination come together."
"It was a great day today! All across the board I thought everyone competed hard and gave us their best! That's all we can ask for," said XC Coach Caleb Bowen. "Obviously it's hard to talk about the women's race without highlighting Rachael Withrow and her amazing 16:15 course/meet record. She just lit it up from the gun and set the tone early."
The top result from Withrow propelled the Marshall women to a 5th place finish. Destiny Berryman finished second on the women's side. Taylor Spencer, Ellie Hosaflook, and freshman Brayleigh Becken rounded out the Herd's Top-5.
"Destiny (Berryman) had an outstanding meet as well," said Coach Roberts. "After battling back from an injury last year, she demonstrated the resilience and toughness that let me know our program is moving in the right direction. Her journey is a testament to her character and commitment. Taylor came through as our number-3 runner. She is always dependable and we know that she will be there when she's most needed. It was great to see her perform well in her senior season."
"Huge shout out to Destiny Berryman for a gutsy race," said Coach Bowen. "Ellie Hosaflook, Taylor Spencer, and Freshman Brayleigh Becken all ran so tough and I can't be more proud of them."
Meanwhile, the Marshall men finished 3rd, the best team finish for the Herd since joining the SBC. Justin Lipscomb earned his second-consecutive All-Conference award with his 12th place finish to lead the team. His 8K time of 24:46 led the Herd while freshman Amos Kimble and Ryan Hughes earned Third Team All-Conference with their 17th and 18th place finishes respectively.
A championship race-debuting Kimble raced a time of 24:57. Hughes, who debuted as a freshman last season, beat his time by nearly two minutes last year by racing a 25:01 Friday. The three All-Conference awards are also the most in a single SBC Championship race.
Brady Dawkins and freshman Dylan Dial rounded out the Marshall Top-5.
"The men's team is certainly on the rise," said Coach Roberts. "We recorded our highest conference finish since joining the league, and Justin (Lipscomb) has been a building block for this program. It was amazing to see him earn All-Conference honors. He is the ultimate competitor, and you can always depend on him to show up when the lights are brightest."
"Ryan (Hughes) had an amazing finish. He has battled adversity throughout the season, but when his team needed him most, he came through. That speaks volumes about his character and competitive spirit. Amos (Kimble) earning All-Conference honors as a freshman is spectacular. He, too, faced significant adversity this season, but the way he responded and bounced back speaks volumes about the type of young man and competitor he is."
"It was so much fun watching our men roll as a pack," said Coach Bowen. Getting 3rd place with three All-Conference runners was huge for our team and I know we can have even more here soon. I'm excited for how we finished but even more excited for what's to come."
"Most importantly, I am proud of this entire group," said Coach Roberts. "Their commitment to one another, their willingness to work, and the way they represent our program mean more than any result on a scoreboard. We are building something special, and today was another step in that direction. The future is bright!"
FULL RESULTS:
Men's 8K Full Results
(1) 13. Justin Lipscomb 24:46 (Second Team All-SBC)
(2) 17. Amos Kimble 24:57 (Third Team All-SBC)
(3) 18. Ryan Hughes 25:01 (Third Team All-SBC)
(4) 22. Brady Dawkins 25:19
(5) 26. Dylan Dial 25:28
(6) 30. Garrett Ferguson 25:37
(7) 31. Conner Myers 25:39
(8) 46. Landon Jones 26:30
Women's 5K Full Results
(𝟏) 𝟏. Rachael Withrow 16:15 (Meet, Course, Championship Record)
(2) 24. Destiny Berryman 18:12
(3) 34. Taylor Spencer 18:23
(4) 36. Ellie Hosaflook 18:25
(5) 44. Brayleigh Becken 18:42
(6) 51. Ella Hardin 18:56
(7) 69. Isabel Griffin 19:89
(8) 87. Lauren Sonski 20:38
UP NEXT
The Herd will race at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships on Nov. 13. Results from their races at Bethlehem, Penn. will determine team or individual status for the National XC Championships on Nov. 21 in Terre Haute, Ind.
Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @HerdTFXC for coverage all season long of Marshall cross country.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules, and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS or Android!
