The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men's cross-country team kicked off the 2024 season, taking on a field of over 140 runners in the eight-kilometer race at the Embry-Riddle Cross Country Classic in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Freshman runner Mark Hayes-Ayala led the way for UVI as he was the first Buccaneer to cross the finish line, posting a time of 37:02.1 in his first collegiate cross-country meet. Hayes-Ayala kept pace with the meet’s front runners through the first two miles before dropping back midway through the race.
The trio of Gabriel Elcock, Nijai Nisbett, and Donnel Dominique crossed the finish
line sequentially to close out the meet for UVI. Elcock finished the race recording
a time of 45:27.4. Nisbett crossed the finish line shortly after at the 46-minute
mark while Dominique brought up the rear for the Buccaneers.
“The men performed to my expectations for their first race this season, however, I see where we can make some improvements,” said head coach Dale Joseph. “We will make the necessary adjustments and I’m confident that the team will lower their times before the conference championships.”
As a team, UVI was unable to score due to not having the minimum number of runners participating, however, the team was able to record a 3:17:14 overall course time. The host school, Embry-Riddle University, took first place in the event with a score of 35 points and a total time of 2:13:22.
The Buccaneers will return to the competition on October 5, in the Ave Maria Invitational at North Park in Ave Maria, Florida.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a member of the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), formerly the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2024-25 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 18th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.
