Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Madeline Howell/Ball State Athletics
Ball State Cross Country Opens Season With First of Seven Meets on September 4
July 31, 2026 | Cross Country
MUNCIE, Ind.— Ball State Cross Country aims to continue their steady growth of the program under Head Coach Adrian Wheatley and Assistant Coach Rachel Nichwitz when they take to the starting line this season.
"This cross country season is another step in the continued growth of our program," said Wheatley. "Our athletes have worked hard to become more mature competitors and more consistent in how they prepare. Now, we want to see them carry that growth into competition. We want them to compete with purpose, respond to challenges, and bring the same standard to every practice and meet."
The Cardinals open up the action on Sept. 4 in Bloomington, Indiana when they travel to the Sam Bell Invitational. Two weeks later, Ball State gets a look at the 2026 MAC Cross Country Championships Course when they head to Kalamazoo, Michigan for the George Dales Invite.
To open up October, the Cardinals will head north to South Bend for the Joe Piane Invitational hosted by Notre Dame. Mid-October sees a trip west to Terre Haute, Indiana for the Under Armor Pre-Nationals Invitational on the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course—the site of this year's NCAA Cross Country National Championships.
Ball State heads back to Kalamazoo for the MAC championships on Oct. 30 before a trip to East Lansing, Michigan for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Meet on Nov. 13. Those with a high enough finish will then continue to the NCAA championships at the aforementioned LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute on Nov. 21.
"This cross country season is another step in the continued growth of our program," said Wheatley. "Our athletes have worked hard to become more mature competitors and more consistent in how they prepare. Now, we want to see them carry that growth into competition. We want them to compete with purpose, respond to challenges, and bring the same standard to every practice and meet."
The Cardinals open up the action on Sept. 4 in Bloomington, Indiana when they travel to the Sam Bell Invitational. Two weeks later, Ball State gets a look at the 2026 MAC Cross Country Championships Course when they head to Kalamazoo, Michigan for the George Dales Invite.
To open up October, the Cardinals will head north to South Bend for the Joe Piane Invitational hosted by Notre Dame. Mid-October sees a trip west to Terre Haute, Indiana for the Under Armor Pre-Nationals Invitational on the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course—the site of this year's NCAA Cross Country National Championships.
Ball State heads back to Kalamazoo for the MAC championships on Oct. 30 before a trip to East Lansing, Michigan for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Meet on Nov. 13. Those with a high enough finish will then continue to the NCAA championships at the aforementioned LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute on Nov. 21.
Wednesday, May 27
Tuesday, May 12
Thursday, April 30
Friday, April 10