Ball State University
MAC Championships
Ball State Set to Host MAC Cross Country Championships Saturday Morning
November 01, 2024 | Cross Country
MUNCIE, Ind. -- On Saturday, Nov. 2 the Mid-American Conference Cross Country Championships will be hosted by Ball State University on the new Ball State Cross Country Course in Muncie, Indiana. The women's race will open the meet at 11 a.m., followed by the men's race at noon. Â
This will be the first time Ball State cross country hosts a championship on campus and the second time competing on the new course. Earlier this season the team hosted the We Fly Championship Preview meet in preparation for "the big show." Led by Carly Spletzer, the Cardinals finished third at the preview meet. Â
Last season, Ball State finished 10th in the MAC on the Mel Brodt Cross Country Course in Bowling Green, Ohio. They were led by Spletzer who ran a personal best time of 21:34.66. Â
Most recently, the team competed at the Falcon Invite where they finished fifth of 12 teams. Spletzer, Sarah Mahnensmith and Evie Noel were among the best runners of the meet, all finishing in the top 20. Â
"These seniors lead with their actions, not just their words," said head coach Adrian Wheatley. "When you've got upperclassmen who buy into running for the name on the front of that jersey instead of the back, that's when magic happens. Tomorrow at our home course you're not just going to see individual runners out there, you're going to see a family fighting for each other with every stride. What we've built here at Ball State, it's bigger than any one person. It's our nine young women who wake up every morning choosing to push each other to be better than they were yesterday. That's the Cardinal Way.Â
"Having the MAC Championships right here at home is special. But what's more special is how this team has embraced what it truly means to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Tomorrow, we're not just running a race, we're showcasing what Ball State cross country is all about: family, getting to do what we love and leaving it all out there for each other." Â
The meet is free to spectators and offers free parking in the baseball complex across the street. There will be shuttles available to take fans to and from the course. Â
Following the championships, the Cardinals will prepare for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional. Regionals will take place on Friday, Nov. 15 in Norton, Ohio. Â
