BYU Cougars Aim for Historic NCAA Cross-Country Championships Win

Brigham Young University (BYU) is set to compete in the NCAA championships this Saturday in Wisconsin, where the Cougars will aim to achieve a rare feat in collegiate sports. Ranked number one in the nation for both men’s and women’s cross-country teams, BYU is striving to become only the fifth school to win both the men’s and women’s NCAA championships in the same year. This accomplishment has only been achieved by a few teams, including Colorado in 2004, Stanford in 1996 and 2003, and Wisconsin in 1985.

The BYU teams come into the competition with impressive victories at both the Big 12 championships and the NCAA Mountain Region competition. Both teams showcased their depth by securing regional wins while allowing some top runners to rest.

The women’s team, which has previously won the NCAA cross-country championship, is heading into the race under the leadership of All-American Lexy Lowry. Lowry, a rising star in the steeplechase, was absent from the regional meet, compelling other athletes like Riley Chamberlain, Carmen Alder, and Jenna Hutchins to step up. Despite recent setbacks, including Hutchins’ injury, the Cougars have maintained their dominance.

On the men’s side, BYU finished third in the last two NCAA championships but won in 2019. The team faces stiff competition from the likes of Oklahoma State, which recently added more foreign talent. Coach Ed Eyestone remains optimistic, stating, «We are in a great place. This entire year has been on the build from our very first workout in the summertime.»

As the Cougars brace for fierce competition, especially against teams like Arkansas and Iowa State, the team faces significant changes post-championships. Notably, seniors Aidan Troutner and Joey Nokes, alongside junior steeplechaser Daniel Corrigan, might leave the collegiate scene.

Utah’s University and Utah State have also secured berths in this season’s highly anticipated championships. The University of Utah women’s team, ranked 12th, includes athletes such as Erin Vringer and Annastasia Peters. Additionally, Weber State’s Peter Visser has qualified as an individual participant.

The championships, held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, are slated to begin with the women’s race at 8:20 a.m. MST, followed by the men’s race. Fans can catch the live broadcast on ESPN.