The Columbus State University Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Cross Country teams are gearing up for their 2026 season under head coach Xavier Matthews. The teams will debut on September 5 at the Julius Johnson Invitational and will participate in multiple meets leading up to the postseason. The men's team has notable veterans returning, while the women's squad looks to build on a strong performance from the previous season. Key upperclassmen will lead the teams, with an emphasis on developing their youthful roster.

By the Numbers
  • Men's team finished fifth out of 12 at the UNG XC Invitational.
  • Women's team secured eighth place out of 16 in the same meet.
  • The women's team won the CAU Panther Invitational and both teams earned Peach Belt Conference All-Academic Team selections.
Yes, But

While the teams have young talent and returning experience, they face the challenge of competing in a conference with historically strong programs. Developing their new athletes while maintaining competitive performance is crucial for success.

State of Play
  • The season starts on September 5, 2026, with the Julius Johnson Invitational.
  • The postseason commences with the Peach Belt Conference Championship on October 24.
  • Both teams are blending youthful talent with experienced leaders.
What's Next

The Cougars will aim to capitalize on their strong foundation established in previous seasons and improve their standings. Continued growth and performance improvements will be critical as they approach the conference and regional meets.

Bottom Line

The 2026 cross country season offers Columbus State's teams a chance to develop collaboratively, leveraging both new talent and seasoned athletes. With a focus on success, the goal will be to send off key seniors on a high note while building a competitive legacy.