2025 UVI Men’s Cross Country Season Preview
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, September 5, 2025 – The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men's Cross-Country team is set to kick off their 2025 season at home in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, competing in the Sunrise 5k run on September 13, under the guidance of head Coach Dale Joseph, who returns for his third consecutive season.
UVI is projected to secure a ninth-place finish in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), identical to where the team placed at the conference championship last season. The Buccaneers will turn to their veterans to avoid repeating history as the team welcomes back three of its five members from the 2024 roster, including junior Rayhan Sabur, who will take on the role of team captain, and sophomore runner Gabriel Elcock.
Sophomore Mark Hayes Ayala stands out as a key returner for the team, having led the Buccaneers last season as a freshman. The six-foot distance runner consistently improved his personal best in every race throughout the season. Hayes-Ayala delivered his most impressive performance when it was crucial, finishing 22nd overall in last year's conference championship.
"Mark is a leader on this team and a great runner who has a good supporting cast around him that will help him to grow while he pushes them to be great as well," stated Joseph. "The veterans on the team are eager to improve their standings from last year, and I believe they will achieve that at the HBCUAC Championships in October."
Freshman Lance Latare and Muhammad Sabur, both making their collegiate debuts, complete the Buccaneer roster.
This year, three of UVI's meets will take place in familiar territory within the Caribbean region. Two of these races will occur in St. Thomas: the Sunrise 5k on September 13th and the "Founder's Day Run" on October 4th. The third will be the British Virgin Islands College Classic, scheduled for September 27 on Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI). Their only meet on the U.S. mainland will be the season finale in Decatur, Alabama, for the 2025 HBCUAC Cross Country Championships, where they will face familiar rivals for a shot at the conference title on October 17.
"This is my third year back with the team, and we have progressed significantly each year," said Joseph. "I'm excited to see what this season holds for these young men. I know that we will see the results of the hard work they have been putting in!"