Collegiate cross country seasons are short. Just a handful of Friday morning meets will tune and strengthen the Tigers before they race to place at SECs and the NCAA Midwest Regional.
This season marks the first time Missouri coach Kyle Levermore acted as the “architect” of the off-season training and race plan. After stepping into a schedule that wasn’t his own last fall, he added an extra race in September to prepare his athletes accordingly.
Here’s a capsule look at each race’s function and notable competitors.
Race: Mizzou XC Opener
Where: Gans Creek Cross Country Course, Columbia, Mo.
When: Friday, August 30
What: Men’s 6K and Women’s 5K
Who: While official start lists aren’t available yet, the opener is typically a Missouri dual or tri-meet. Missouri Valley College will replace Missouri State on the start line, along with Mizzou and SLU. The Billikens lost three of their top male finishers at last year’s Home Opener to graduation and the transfer portal, so look for them to reload and develop their younger talent. SLU sophom*ore Sophia Pelligreen paced the Billikens and developed a wide racing repertoire last spring, setting PRs in the 5000M, 1500M and 800M.
See AlsoCross Country Welcomes Newcomers for 2024 Season - University of Missouri AthleticsKansas City West Patio Flooring | Garage KingsWhy: This is an orientation race for Missouri runners and spectators. With only a few non-conference teams, there should be a clear pack of gold leading the charge through the familiar curves. The Tigers are easy to pick out and cheer for, and the course is easy to navigate with fewer fans and coaches sprinting to the next kilometer mark. The opener also acts as an official 5K time trial for the women, the only 5K inked in their schedule. It’s a fast, familiar distance for their new recruits, many of whom raced championship times on this course in high school.
Race: Spiked Shoe Invitational
Where: University Park, Pa. (Penn State)
When: Friday, September 13
What: Men’s 5.2 mile (more than an 8K, not quite a 10K) and Women’s 6K
Who: If Missouri wants to develop into an elite, championship contending team, Penn State is an excellent benchmark to measure where they’re at. The Penn State women’s team earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship last fall by finishing second in the Mid-Atlantic Regional. The Nittany Lions return First Team All-Big 10 selections Florence Caron and Maddie Ullom, both of whom earned top 10 finishes at the Big 10 Outdoor Track Championships last spring. Caron, who boasts a 4.0 GPA also competed at the first round of NCAA Outdoors.
Why: Coach Levermore didn’t mince words when explaining his decision to add another race to their September schedule.
“We got our ass kicked at Virginia at the Pre-National Championship (last year),” he said.
He thought his team was “way too comfortable” heading into the Gans Creek Classic, having not faced any regional threats. He wants to give his runners more experience racing against top opponents on a long course. Racing resilience is a muscle best strengthened in tough conditions. This race gives the Tigers a chance to challenge themselves before championship season exploits that muscle.
Race: Gans Creek Classic
Where: Gans Creek Cross Country Course, Columbia, Mo.
When: Friday, September 27
What: Men’s 8K and Women’s 6K
Who: This year’s starting boxes will feature different talent from last fall, as Nebraska (top women’s team) and Illinois (top men’s team), race elsewhere. While this Tiger roster may be stronger and faster, the men, who finished fifth, will need to find another gear to win back their home bragging rights. They’ll face North Florida, who took second at last fall’s race. North Florida’s men finished fifth in the NCAA South Region in 2023, besting Auburn, Florida and Georgia.
Why: Hosting a large, competitive invitational promotes Missouri’s distance program and facilities. Missouri’s 2024 distance signing class was one of the highest in the last decade, especially amongst in-state recruits, and the capacity to host championship meets on their home course doesn’t hurt signing efforts. Their races are well-managed and spectator friendly, and this Classic offers another chance for opponents to familiarize themselves with next year’s National Championship course (November 22, 2025).
Race: Crimson Classic
Where: Harry Pritchett Running Park, Tuscaloosa, Ala. (University of Alabama)
When: Friday, October 18
What: Men’s 8K and Women’s 6K
Who: In 2023, the Alabama men placed third at the NCAA South Regional, just eight points and one spot away from earning an automatic bid to the national championship. The women placed fourth, and eventually earned an at-large team bid, with Doris Lemngole and Hilda Olemomoi finishing second and third behind now-Olympian Parker Valby (FL).
**More opponent information to come as start lists are solidified.
Why: While regional opponents take qualifying precedence over conference rivalries in cross country, this race will sharpen Missouri’s SEC attack before the SEC Championship if they want to take home conference titles.
The USTFCCA D1 regional preseason rankings will be released Monday, August 26. Follow @abigail_klap on Twitter/X for rankings, race information, opponent updates and live results throughout the season.
The race to the NCAA Championship starts Friday, here in Columbia.
