TIFTON - Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College cross country teams head to Danville, Alabama, this Friday for the Southern States Athletic Conference championship.

Both Fillies and Stallions will compete at Oakville Indian Mounds Park.

"Our team has overcome many hurdles this season," said head coach Kaitlyn Hunt. "I've never met a team that remains as optimistic and willing to find solutions as my team."

ABAC knows a tough field awaits.

Mobile won the men's championship last year, ending a four-year run at the top by William Carey. On the women's side, William Carey has won two of the past three titles, and Dalton State had a three-year reign immediately before.

"We'll be walking away with heart and character!," said Hunt. "At the end of the day, the memories we've made as a team and the support we show for each other on a daily basis is greater than any trophy or medal we could receive."

Neither the Stallions nor Fillies have had a meet since Oct. 4. During the absence from competition, Hunt said they have been doing team-building activities, which have helped them with their focus.

At the last meet at Berry College, Rebecca Lopez led the Fillies with a time of 28:32. Earlier this season, Lopez set a new team record by finishing in 22:50.

In the men's last meet, Alec Stapp ran the Berry course in 29:50.