Sam Bell Invitational opens cross country season for Indiana and Ball State

The Sam Bell Invitational marks the season opening for the Indiana University and Ball State University cross country teams on Friday, September 4, in Bloomington, Indiana.

Indiana University will field 14 men for a 6K race and 13 women for a 4K race. The men's squad includes returners such as Liam Bauschke and Alex Bruns, while the women's team features returners like Ava Jarrell alongside several freshmen and transfer Lucinda Rourkew. This event serves as the only opportunity to see the Hoosiers compete on their home course this season.

Ball State University enters the season ranked 10th in the MAC. The Cardinals' women's team will be led by sophomores Emily Decker, Kaitlyn Kauppila, and Sadey Seyferth. The roster includes seniors Maci Hoskins and Kendyl Thrasher, transfer Elaina Lahmers, and four freshmen newcomers.