Mark Theiss helped start the Greenville College Men's Cross Country dynasty that resulted in ten consecutive SLIAC championships from 1996-2006 for the Panthers. He won the SLIAC Championship in 1995 and 1996, earning Runner of the Year honors. He also won NCAA Division III All-American honors in 1997 by finishing 27th in the NCAA National Championship Meet, and in 1998 as he placed 10th. He also set school records in Track and Field in the 5,000 meter event and 3,000 steeplechase.