Wallace State Cross Country Impresses in Deep Charlotte Field

Oct 15, 2025
Cross Country

 Wallace State’s men’s and women’s cross country teams traveled to Charlotte, N.C., for the Royals Cross Country Challenge this past weekend to compete in one of the most competitive fields of the season, facing a lineup stacked with nationally ranked NCAA Division I and II programs. The Lions were the lone JUCO program in the event, yet they more than held their own on both the men’s and women’s sides.

“I always look to this meet as a barometer as to how fit we are as a team,” said head coach Tony Crider. “This meet consistently features nationally ranked NCAA Division I and Division II programs. We competed very well on the men’s and women’s side.”

Men’s Team Finishes 6th Overall
The Wallace State men turned in one of their strongest showings of the year, placing 6th overall in the team standings. Four runners cracked the top 50, led by Tyler Anthony, who clocked 25:11.7 for a 20th-place finish. He was closely followed by Daniel Leija in 27th (25:20.1). Elliot Denard placed 42nd (25:46.4), and Jack Wiggins rounded out the top-50 finishes with a 49th-place run (25:56.1).

“The men’s team was led by Tyler and Daniel, who also broke the 8K cross country record,” Crider said. “Elliott, Jack, Harper Branscome, Conner McCrary and Devon McGee all had personal best times too.”

Women’s Team Places 15th
On the women’s side, Wallace State placed 15th overall in another loaded field. Freshman standout Brookelyn Morgan continued her stellar season with a 35th-place finish in 18:26.2, setting a new Wallace State program record. Grace Gosline crossed in 19:27.8, while Cadence Rivera was just behind her at 19:30.7, giving the Lions three runners inside the top 100.

“Brookelyn, Grace, Payton Ridley and Hanna Sheffield all had personal best times,” Crider said. “Brookelyn broke the Wallace State record.”

Looking Ahead
With the Charlotte test behind them, the Lions now turn their attention to the ACCC Conference Championships, which will be held in two weeks at John Hunt Park in Huntsville.

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