Cross Country Season Begins Under The Lights

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Mississippi State's cross country team will open its season under the lights on Saturday night in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Bulldog women will toe the line at 9 p.m. CT at the Memphis Twilight Classic hosted by Christian Brothers University. State will also send a men's team to the course for a 10 p.m. start.

"We are very excited to get the season started and are looking forward to bringing competition back to our athletes' lives," cross country coach Patrick McGregor said. "This will be a great indicator on where some of our athletes are at and how we can best plan for the future."

Four of MSU's seven women are set to make their collegiate debuts. Freshmen Tekara Aimer, Gracie Gibson, Hayley Ogle and Grace Ritchie are four of the Bulldogs' five newcomers. The women will complete at 5K.

Ava Weems is State's top returner after finishing fourth in MSU's 2020 SEC Championship lineup. Sydney Steely and Ashley Melcherts also return after competing at last year's conference meet. Savannah Schwab rounds out the lineup for opening weekend.

On the men's side, six of the seven runners are returners, but only two have competed in cross country. Seniors Luke Zacharias and Giacomo DeLuca lead the way. Both boast 8K personal bests under 25 minutes.

Reese Dunne, Colby Freeman, Slater Richardson and Joseph Wohlers have competed on the track for State, but this will be their first cross country race. Gram Russell will make his collegiate debut.

For more information on the Bulldog track and field program, visit HailState.com or search for "HailStateTF" on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Cross Country Season Begins Under The Lights

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Players Mentioned

Tekara Aimer

Gracie Gibson

Ashley Melcherts

Hayley Ogle

Grace Ritchie

Savannah Schwab

Sydney Steely

Ava Weems

Mississippi State University Athletics