Cheney, WA – Eastern Washington University's cross-country team is gearing up for an exciting 2024 season under the leadership of Head Coach Sam Read. The Eagles' schedule promises a mix of local and national meets designed to challenge and showcase the team's talents.

The season kicks off with the Clash of the Inland Northwest on August 30, hosted at EWU's home course around the Soccer Field and intramural facilities. This familiar setting will serve as the perfect starting point for the team.

Following the home opener, the Eagles will travel a short distance to Colfax, Wash., for the Cougar Classic on September 13. This meet will provide an early opportunity to test their competitive edge against regional opponents.

On September 27, the team will head to Columbia, MO, for the prestigious Gans Creek Invite, hosted by the University of Missouri. This national-level competition will be a significant challenge, allowing the Eagles to measure their performance on a larger stage. Simultaneously, other team members will compete at the Whitman Invitational in Walla Walla, Wash., on September 28, providing additional competitive opportunities.

Returning to the Inland Northwest, the Eagles will participate in the Lewis-Clark State Invitational on October 19 in Lewiston, Idaho. This meet will offer a crucial tune-up before the championship events.

The season culminates at the Big Sky Cross Country Championships on Nov. 1 at the Riverside Golf Course in Pocatello, Idaho. EWU is eager to build on last year's impressive performance, where both the men's and women's teams achieved their highest finishes since 2016, each placing fifth. Notable runners from 2023 include Noah Hasselblad and Lilly Fetzer, who were instrumental in the team's success.

Looking ahead, the Eagles aim to qualify for the NCAA West Regionals on November 15 in Colfax, Wash., and the NCAA Championships on November 22 hosted by the University of Wisconsin. With seven new runners joining the roster and a blend of returning talent, Eastern Washington University is poised for a thrilling season.

From Coach Tucker "Coach Sam has done an excellent job designing a schedule that helps our elite runners as well as our developmental runners.  We are super excited to build off of 5th place in the Big Sky last year.  Stay Tuned!"
 
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.

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