Belmont Invitational Kicks Off Cross Country Season with Thrilling Competitions

Austin Peay Cross Country Teams Set to Launch 2025 Season at Belmont Opener

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University’s Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams are gearing up to commence their 2025 season at the Belmont Opener. The event is scheduled to take place this Friday at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Both the men’s and women’s teams will participate in a 5K race,with the men’s competition starting at 8:45 a.m. and the women’s race following at 9:15 a.m.

men’s Team Boasts Experienced Roster

The men’s Cross Country program welcomes back all eight athletes from the previous 2024 season. Joining the seasoned team are newcomers Zeniel Lizardo, transferring from Daytona State, and Tahmar Upshaw, arriving from middle Tennessee. Last year, Lucas Bales led the Governors at the Belmont Opener, completing the 5K course in 17:28.1.

Women’s Team Mixes Veteran Leadership with New Talent

The women’s team also displays a strong foundation, returning six student-athletes: Shaye Foster, Sydney Freeman, Mary Kate French, Hallie Mattingly, Jaedyn Stalnecker, and Taylah Upshaw. They are complemented by three incoming freshmen: Emily Bey, Holly Harding, and Laure marie Kidukula. Shaye Foster consistently paced the Governors throughout the 2024 season, achieving a 5K time of 19:24.1 at the 2024 Belmont Opener.

Looking Ahead: Trevecca Invitational

Following their initial competition at Belmont, the Governors will once again compete at Percy Warner Park in mid-september.They are scheduled to participate in the Trevecca’s Michael Pretorius Invitational on September 20th. This provides a valuable opportunity to further refine their performance and build momentum.

Did You Know? Cross country running has a rich history, originating in England as a means of training for military dispatch runners.

team	Race Distance	Competition Location	Men’s Start Time	Women’s Start Time
Men’s Cross Country	5K	Percy Warner Park, Nashville, TN	8:45 a.m.	N/A
Women’s Cross Country	5K	Percy Warner Park, Nashville, TN	N/A	9:15 a.m.

Pro Tip: Proper hydration and nutrition are critical for optimal performance in cross country. Athletes should focus on consuming a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to and following competitions.

The Growing popularity of Cross Country

Cross country running continues to gain popularity across the United States. According to data from Running USA, participation in road running events, including cross country, has consistently grown over the past decade, with over 6 million participants in 2023. This surge in interest highlights the sport’s accessibility and its health benefits. The NCAA reports a similar trend in collegiate cross country, with an increasing number of schools adding programs and offering scholarships to attract talented athletes.

What are your predictions for Austin Peay’s cross country teams this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does the challenging terrain of the Belmont Invitational course impact race strategy for cross country runners?

Early Season Highlights & Top Performers

The Belmont Invitational, held today, August 28th, 2025, delivered a stunning start to the cross country season. Runners from across the region converged to test their early-season fitness adn set the tone for the months ahead. The event, known for its challenging course and competitive field, didn’t disappoint, showcasing notable performances and foreshadowing a dynamic season of high school cross country and collegiate cross country racing.

Course Overview & Conditions

This year’s Belmont Invitational course remained largely unchanged, featuring a demanding mix of terrain. Runners tackled rolling hills, wooded trails, and a challenging final stretch along the Belmont campus. Weather conditions were near ideal – a cool 68 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity – contributing to fast times. The course is renowned for its difficulty, making it a true test of endurance and strategic pacing for cross country runners.

Varsity Races: A Breakdown of Results

The varsity races were the highlight of the day, with both the men’s and women’s competitions proving fiercely contested.

Women’s Varsity:

Winner: Sarah Miller (Northwood High School) – 17:45

Second Place: Emily Carter (Belmont Academy) – 17:52

Third Place: jessica Davis (Riverside High School) – 18:01

Northwood High School secured the team title, demonstrating strong pack running.Their top five runners finished within 30 seconds of each other.

Key takeaways: The women’s race saw a surprisingly fast pace early on, with Miller breaking away in the second mile.

Men’s Varsity:

Winner: David lee (Central High School) – 15:30

Second Place: Michael Brown (Belmont Academy) – 15:38

Third Place: Kevin Wilson (Riverside High school) – 15:45

Central High School also claimed the team championship on the men’s side, showcasing depth and consistent performance.

Notable performances included a strong showing from several underclassmen, indicating a shining future for the sport.

Emerging Stars & Notable Performances

Beyond the winners, several athletes demonstrated significant potential.Keep an eye on:

Freshman phenom: Olivia Green (Westwood High School) finished 12th in the women’s varsity race, a remarkable achievement for a first-year competitor.

Breakout performance: Mark Johnson (Eastwood High School) shaved over a minute off his personal best time, finishing in the top 20.

Consistent improvement: Belmont Academy’s Michael brown continues to improve, solidifying his position as a top contender in the region. This is a key athlete to watch throughout the cross country season.

Training Insights & Race Strategies

Coaches and athletes alike emphasized the importance of early-season pacing and building endurance. Several key strategies were observed:

1. Negative Splits: Many successful runners employed a strategy of starting conservatively and gradually increasing their pace throughout the race.
2. hill Work: The challenging course highlighted the importance of hill training in preparing for varied terrain.
3. Pack Running: Teams that prioritized pack running – keeping their runners close together – demonstrated a significant advantage.
4. Hydration & Nutrition: Staying adequately hydrated and fueled was crucial, especially given the warm temperatures.Proper runner nutrition is key.

Impact on Regional Rankings & Championship Outlook

The Belmont Invitational results are expected to have a significant impact on regional rankings. Northwood and Central High Schools have established themselves as early favorites, while individual performances from Sarah Miller and David Lee will undoubtedly elevate their status. The event provides valuable insight into the competitive landscape and sets the stage for a thrilling championship season. Cross country championships are the ultimate goal for many of these athletes.

Benefits of Early Season Invitationals

Participating in early-season invitationals like the Belmont invitational offers numerous benefits for cross country athletes:

Race Experience: Provides valuable experience in a competitive environment.

Pace Assessment: Allows runners to assess their current fitness level and identify areas for improvement.

Team Building: Fosters team camaraderie and strengthens bonds between teammates.

Course Familiarization: Offers an prospect to familiarize themselves with different course terrains.

Resources for Cross Country Runners & Fans

Running USA: https://www.runningusa.org/

Cross Country Magazine: (Search online for current issues)

Local Running Clubs: Connect with local running communities for training and support.

* belmont Medical: https://belmontmedtech.com/germany (While focused on medical devices, understanding sports medicine is crucial for athlete wellbeing).