Cross Country Prepares for Season Opener

Friday, September 1

Anderson, IN (Mounds State Park)

5:30 p.m.

Ball State University

We Fly Ball State Cross Country Challenge

August 30, 2023 | Cross Country

MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State cross country team is gearing up to host its first home meet in two years. The We Fly Ball State Cross Country Challenge will take place in Anderson, Indiana, on the grass fields at Mounds State Park Friday, Aug. 30. Park admission is $7 per car and will be enforced all day.

The Cardinals are set to host Austin Peay and Lindenwood in its season-opener. Racing will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET with the women's 5K, followed by the men's 6K at 6:15 p.m. ET.

Last season, the Cardinals finished ninth at the MAC Cross Country Championships and 22nd at the NCAA Division I Great Lakes Region Cross Country Championships. Sarah Mahnensmith led BSU in both meets and she will look to continue her streak of success on Friday.

"We brought in a really good class that's going to contribute in different ways," head coach Adrian Wheatley said. "It's our first [home] cross country meet in two years, so we're excited about having that opportunity."

Following the We Fly Ball State Cross Country Challenge, the Cardinals will head to Bowling Green, Ohio to compete in the Mel Brodt Collegiate Open on Friday, Sept. 15.