Kearney Races to Meet Record; Milligan Wins Women's Cross Country Title

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Ellen-Mary Kearney of Milligan blew away the meet record as she led her team to the 2025 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Women's Cross Country Championship on Friday.

The meet was held at Sequoyah Park in Knoxville, Tenn.

Kearney and Heather Murphy of Montreat ran much of the race neck to neck, with Murphy leading at the halfway mark. However, Kearney surged down the stretch and crossed the line in 19:59.07, a new meet record for the 6K distance. Murphy finished in 20:04.82 for a personal best.

Milligan claimed five of the top seven spots to win the team championship with a score of 20. Montreat was second with 65 points, while SCAD Atlanta (85 points) took third. Reinhardt (105 points) and Brenau (140 points) round out the top five.

Kearney took home Runner of the Year honors, while Annabelle Stewart of Milligan is the Newcomer of the Year and Kerigan Lewis of Milligan is the Freshman of the Year. Milligan also claimed Coaching Staff of the Year.

Making the All-Conference First Team are Kearney, Murphy, Stewart, Kirsten Geary of Milligan, Alyssa Bearzi of Milligan, Avery Raymond of SCAD Atlanta, and Karly Wilhjem of Milligan.

Earning All-Conference Second Team honors are Macy Parks of Montreat, Lewis, Patricia Barrera of Milligan, Gracie Franklin of Milligan, Carlyn Bobo of Montreat, McKenzie Fitzgerald of Milligan, and Carissa Wilson of Bryan.

Milligan claimed all seven spots on the All-Freshmen Team as Stewart, Lewis, Kaylee Coll, Ana Canibano, Ella Hoover, Shelby Vitous, and Sunny Eorgan collected the accolades.

For the full results, click here.