SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Converse University head cross country coach Mark Rennix announced the signing of 13 runners for the upcoming season.
 
"I am extremely excited about the potential that this incoming recruiting class brings to the team." Rennix went on to say, "They have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, and I believe they will make a significant impact on our program. This group has the drive and capability to achieve great things, and I can't wait to see their contributions on and off the course."
 
Reece Evans (Conway, S.C.) was a dual sport athlete in high school, recording personal records in the 5k (16:23), 3200 meter (10:15), 1600 meter (4:38) and the 800 meter (2:05). Evans was named to both the All-Region and All-County teams during his prep career. Helped the cross country team to Region and County Championships in 2023 & 2024. Outside of athletics was a member of FCA.
 
Coaches quote: "Reece seemed like a great fit from the moment he got together with the guys and he brings a lot of potential."
 
Hunter Heron (Summerville, S.C.) is transferring to Converse from nearby Newberry College. During his prep career, Heron ran at Stratford High School and was team captain of both the cross country and track teams.
 
Coaches quote: "Hunter has a really positive attitude and an enthusiastic and optimistic approach to challenges. I look forward to seeing him with a fresh start with us."
 
Alex Porter (Simpsonville, S.C.) competed on both the Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Set personal records in the 5k (16:25), 3200 meter (9:41), 1600 meter (4:25) and the 800 meter (2:00). Porter was an All-Region Athlete and won the Upper State Championship in the 1600 meter. Also, graduated Summa Cum Laude from high school.
 
Coaches quote: "Alex has a great combination of talent and work ethic. He has demonstrated commitment to training and continuous improvement and adding that will give our team a big boost."
 
Greyson Powell (Anderson, S.C.) was a three-sport athlete in high school, competing in volleyball, cross country, and track & field. Helped the track team win six Regional Championships in high school. Outside of athletics, was a member of Beta Club, Region Orchestra and All-County Orchestra.
 
Coaches quote: "I am looking forward to Greyson's positive spirit and compatibility with the team culture and existing members. He also saw a lot of improvement late last year and I am confident that will carry over into this Fall with us."
 
Marti Ruiz Barreda (Girona, Spain) competed for GEIEG, Atletisme Calonge and CA Canovelles. Ran a 10:02 in the 3,000 meter Steeplechase. Helped the team win a Cross Country Regional Championship and was also a member of the Catalan Athletic Team.

Coaches quote: "I am most excited about Marti's versatility and his ability to compete in multiple events and adapt to various training programs. He will be a key addition in everything from cross country to the steeplechase."
 
Kyan Sapko (Greer, S.C.) comes to Converse from just down the road at Greer Middle College High School. Competed five years on the track team and three years on the cross country team. At one point during his prep career he ranked seventh nationally in the 400 meter hurdles event, following a personal record time of 56.00 seconds. Sapko holds the school records in the long jump, high hurdles, low hurdles, 4x400 relay, shuttle hurdle relay, sprint medley relay, deadlift and squat events. Outside of sports, was a member of the national honor roll and the Beta Club.
 
Coaches quote: "While Kyan's bread and butter is the hurdles, I am looking forward to his coachability, with his openness to feedback and willingness to learn and improve during the Fall."
 
Ander Vera Moleres (Pamplona, Spain) makes his way to Converse from Pamplona, Spain. Competed in the cross country national championships from 2021-2024, and competed in the outdoor track & field national championships in 2023. As a member of the Atletismo Ardoi track club, Vera Moleres competed in the 400 meter, 800 meter, 1500 meter and 3,000 meter events.
 
Coaches quote: "Ander will be another key addition as he has some exceptional performances in competitions back home and the potential to continue to excel at the collegiate level."
 
Jacob Wren (Simpsonville, S.C.) was a three-sport athlete at Mauldin High School. Holds the 800 meter school record with a time of 1:57.97. A two-time All-Region Athlete and won the Maverick Award for Cross Country. Also competed for the Greer All-Stars Track Club, won the 800 meter South Carolina District Championships, won the 800 meter Region Championship, and was a three-time AAU Junior Olympic Qualifier. Outside of sports, was a member of FCA.
 
Coaches quote: "I am excited about Jacob's potential for growth. His raw talent and capacity can lead to significant development in our program."
 
Sara Aguiar (Gijon, Spain) competed on the cross country and track teams, also competed for AD Gijon Atletismo and finished in the Spanish Second Division. Outside of athletics, was a class delegate, and was a member of the debate team and the Economics Olympics team.
 
Coaches quote: "Much like Jacob, Sara has the opportunity to see a lot of development in the near future because of her talent and drive to compete and succeed."
 
Mackenzie Crandell (Woodruff, S.C.) was captain of both the track and soccer teams at Longwood Senior high school. Won the Tri-Sport Athlete Award and also competed for Liberty LGN. Outside of athletics, was a member of the National Art Honor Society, was on the honor roll through high school, won the academic achievement award, and the Certificate of Appreciation from Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker. 
 
Coaches quote: "I am anxious to get Mackenzie back in the sport of running after a year off and I believe her commitment to representing our program with pride will lead to a smooth transition."
 
Hailey Jones (Moncks Corner, S.C.) Competed on both the cross country and track & field teams at Cane Bay High School. Jones personal record in the 5k was 22:08, her personal record in the 3200 was 13:27, her personal record in the 1600 was 6:21 and her personal record in the 800 is 3:01. Jones finished third in the region for cross country in 2023 and she was named the Best Pre Sports Female Scholar Athlete in 2024. Outside of athletics, Jones was a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, Cobras for Christ, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. Jones also won the John Phillip Sousa Award of Excellence and won the Junior Scholars Award. Jones comes from an athletic family, her mother (Jill) played softball at Washington College from 1999-2000.
 
Coaches quote: "I have the utmost confidence that Hailey has the discipline on and off the cross country course to see a lot of improvement within our program."
 
Peyton MacMillan (Fort Mill, S.C.) was a multi-sport athlete in high school, that competed on the basketball, cross country and track teams. Outside of athletics, was a member of Beta Club.
 
Coaches quote: "With Peyton still being somewhat new to the sport, I am extremely eager to see her flourish here at Converse and make a nice impact within the team."
 
Angel Kravitz (Fort Mill, S.C.) is a Columbia College transfer that competed for the Koalas Cross Country and Track & Field teams over the past two years. Last season, Kravitz set a new personal best in the 6K (22:41.0) at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships. As a member of the Track & Field team, Kravitz helped the 4x800 relay team to a second place finish at the Conference Championships, and she helped the Distance Medley Relay Team to a third place finish.
 
Coaches quote: "Angel was a late, but important addition to our team. Her previous achievements and experience at the longer distances will pay big dividends this year."
 
For all the latest news and information on the Converse cross country programs, log onto govalkyries.com today.
 
Follow Converse
https://www.facebook.com/ConverseValkyries
Twitter: @valkyries_wxctf
Instagram: @Valkyriesxctrack
Youtube.com/Converse Athletics