Ball State University Athletics
Friday, September 4
Bloomington, Ind.
Ball State University
vs
Sam Bell Invitational
Cross Country Travels to Bloomington for Season Opening Meet
September 03, 2026 | Cross Country
MUNCIE, Ind.— The Ball State Cardinals cross country team is poised and ready to prove the doubters wrong when they step up to the starting line on Friday, Sept. 4 for the Sam Bell Invitational. After a 2025 season plagued by injuries, the Cardinals enter the season ranked 10th in the MAC and look to make a statement during this first four-kilometer race.
They'll be led by a strong core of returners including sophomore standouts Emily Decker, Kaitlyn Kauppila and Sadey Seyferth. All three are coming off of record levels of success this past track season, with Decker and Kauppila setting top-five program marks in their respective distance events during the spring.
Seniors Maci Hoskins and Kendyl Thrasher are joined by senior transfer Elaina Lahmers, who comes to Ball State after several seasons at the University of Kentucky. Junior Tori Jackson also returns for her third season as a Cardinal as she rounds out the upperclassmen.
Four new faces join the fold this weekend for Ball State as freshmen newcomers Ava Dickenson, Abra Mills, Gemma Pusateri and Carla Rodriguez get their first taste of collegiate cross country action.
The race is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. as the Cardinals look to make their initial mark for the campaign ahead.
They'll be led by a strong core of returners including sophomore standouts Emily Decker, Kaitlyn Kauppila and Sadey Seyferth. All three are coming off of record levels of success this past track season, with Decker and Kauppila setting top-five program marks in their respective distance events during the spring.
Seniors Maci Hoskins and Kendyl Thrasher are joined by senior transfer Elaina Lahmers, who comes to Ball State after several seasons at the University of Kentucky. Junior Tori Jackson also returns for her third season as a Cardinal as she rounds out the upperclassmen.
Four new faces join the fold this weekend for Ball State as freshmen newcomers Ava Dickenson, Abra Mills, Gemma Pusateri and Carla Rodriguez get their first taste of collegiate cross country action.
The race is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. as the Cardinals look to make their initial mark for the campaign ahead.
Players Mentioned
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