SPARTANBURG, S.C. –  Eric Cummings, Spartanburg Methodist College Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach, was named Men’s and Women’s Region X Coach of the Year.

Several of Cummings’ runners have gained top honors in the NJCAA polls, including two freshmen from Columbia.

Jocelyn Veit, who ran for Brookland-Cayce High School, was named Women's Region X Runner of the Year and Griffin Cole was named Men's Region X Runner of the Year. Cole won the first individual championship in SMC history Sept. 30 during the Blue Hose Invitational at Presbyterian College.

The Men have won five of their eight Invitationals this year. They have also had two runner-up finishes and one third place finish. The Women have won three of their eight Invitationals this year. The top seven runners from both the Men's and Women's Team were named All-Region. This is the first Cross Country Region Championship for both teams since the sport began at SMC 12 years ago.