ROCK HILL, S.C. — The Winthrop University cross country squads take to the start line for the first time of the 2026 season in Elon, N.C., for the Elon Opener. Races will begin with the women’s 4K at 8:15 p.m. ET, followed by the men’s 6K at approximately 8:45 p.m. ET. Both races will be held at the Elon Cross Country Course on campus.
MEET INFORMATION
Date & Time: Friday, Sept. 4 | 8:15 p.m. ET (Women) | 8:45 p.m. ET (Men)
Location: Elon, North Carolina | Elon Cross Country Course
Live Results: ElonPhoenix.com
Course Map: ElonPhoenix.com
SCHOOLS IN COMPETITION
Campbell, Catawba, Coastal Carolina, Davidson, East Carolina, Elon, Gardner-Webb, High Point, Meredith*, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Queens, Shaw, UNCG*, UNCW, USC Sumter, Winthrop
*Women Only
START LINE
- The Big South Conference has released their 2026 Preseason Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Poll, with Winthrop Men’s and Women’s squads both checking in at sixth place.
- The sixth-place mark is the highest for the men’s squad since 2023, tying for sixth, while the women’s squad reached sixth in 2024.
- For the Eagles, the men’s side features ten new runners while the women host nine new runners.
- Anna Conrad highlights the returning runners for both sides, as she was placed on the Big South Conference All-Academic Team, leading the Eagles to two meet wins over the 2025 season.
Story courtesy of Winthrop Athletics.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
