Tougaloo College Men's Cross Country Wins 2024 HBCU Athletic Conference Championship

Danville, AL, [10/21/2024] – Tougaloo College celebrated a historic victory as the Bulldogs claimed their first-ever title at the 2024 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship. The event, held at Oakville Indian Mounds in Danville, Alabama, saw five runners from Tougaloo place in the top 15, securing a decisive win with 44 points and a total team time of 2:35:42.

JaDarrius Nelson led the Bulldogs' performance with an impressive second-place finish, clocking in at 29:10.30—just 1.4 seconds away from the individual title. Following closely was Nevon Taylor, who took fifth place with a time of 30:28.70. Ashton Neely, Kavan Wooten, and Andre Payne rounded out the team's top-15 finishes, placing 11th, 12th, and 14th with times of 31:52.30, 31:54.10, and 32:17.50, respectively.

Both JaDarrius Nelson and Nevon Taylor earned spots on the HBCU Athletic Conference All-Conference Team, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication throughout the season. Additionally, Eric Pilcher, the Bulldogs' head coach, was honored as the 2024 HBCU Athletic Conference Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year, while Paul Scott received recognition as the Assistant Coach of the Year.

With this championship win, the Bulldogs automatically qualify for the upcoming NAIA National Championship, set for November 22, 2024, in Columbia, Missouri. This milestone achievement marks a new era for Tougaloo College's athletic program and underscores the Bulldogs' commitment to excellence.