Collegiate cross country teams open season at Stan Sims XC Opener

cross country season opener collegiate athletics Stan Sims XC Opener Florida Gators

Collegiate cross country teams began their 2026 seasons at the Stan Sims XC Opener in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Emory University men's and women's teams competed against three Division I programs. For the Eagles, newcomer Luna Gutierrez led the women with a 5k time of 18:42, while Carsen Valenta topped the men's four-mile race with a time of 21:16. Several Emory freshmen also secured top-30 finishes in their debuts.

The Florida Gators men's and women's teams also participated in the event. The Gators' women's team enters the season following a 2025 campaign that included winning the SEC Championships and finishing 5th at the NCAA Championships. The men's team, ranked 21st in the USTFCCCA preseason coaches' poll, aims to build on a 7th-place finish at the 2025 NCAA South Regional meet.

Entities

Emory University · Florida Gators · Stan Sims XC Opener

Sources

Men's and Women's XC Begin 2026 Season at KSU Stan Sims Opener - Emory University [emoryathletics.com]

8 days ago

Robertson, Ellis Lead Racers in Season Opener - Murray State University Athletics [goracers.com]

6 days ago

Cross Country Set to Open Season at Stan Sims XC Opener [floridagators.com]

8 days ago