The Wheeling University Cross Country team is gearing up for their 2026 season with the release of a challenging schedule. Starting on September 3rd at the West Liberty Invitational, the Cardinals will compete against regional and NCAA Division I opponents to enhance their competitiveness. The women's team aims to build on two top-10 finishes from last season, while the men's side looks to improve after finishing 10th at the MEC Cross Country Championships. Both teams are filled with young talent, allowing for significant growth and experience on the course as they target postseason success.

By the Numbers
  • In the 2025 season, over half of the starting runners on both teams were freshmen or sophomores.
  • The women's team secured two top-10 finishes and each runner set at least two personal records (PRs).
  • The men's team placed one runner in the top 40 and two in the top 70 at the previous MEC championships.
State of Play
  • The team will participate in several NCAA DII events, including the Carnegie Mellon Invitational and the Colonial Invitational.
  • The MEC Cross Country Championships will occur at Oglebay Park, with the exact date still pending.
  • Both teams are motivated to improve their standings after finishing 10th in the previous season's championship.
What's Next

The Cardinals will focus on developing their skills through a rigorous early season schedule, leading up to the MEC Championships and NCAA regional competitions. As they maximize their teamwork and individual performances, they aim to elevate their conference rankings and secure strong placements at postseason events.

Bottom Line

With a youthful roster and a strategic blend of competition, the Wheeling University Cross Country teams are poised for growth and success in the 2026 season. Their commitment to improvement and competitive racing will be instrumental in reaching their postseason goals.