VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State men's and women's cross country team will begin their 2026 season on Friday evening as the Blazers host their annual VSU Border Clash at Freedom Park.

The 7.25K for men is set for 6:20 p.m. and the women's 5K will take place at 7 p.m.

Both teams were ranked 10th in the Gulf South Conference preseason polls, the men securing 12 points and the women 19. VSU now hopes to turn that preseason position into motivation as it starts the season on its home course.

The men's side includes a mixture of experienced runners and younger ones, with four seniors, four juniors, one sophomore and four freshmen. Leading the returners is junior Nick Waddell, who ran 24:56.2 in the 7.25K last year. Senior Caleb Tilford is also returning having ran 26:55.9 in that race.

The women's team includes six runners, with senior Alanta Lofton at the front, followed by the juniors Ella Burnett, Emma Burnett and Ellie Cardozo. Samantha Savion-Rios and Alyssa Youmans, who are returning sophomores, and freshman Carly Storie joins the team for her first season at the collegiate level.

The Blazers aim to exceed their performances at the VSU Border Clash the previous year, the men's side finishing in second place with 50 points and the women coming third with 86 points.

Since they are racing at home, the Blazers hope to make the most of their familiarity with Freedom Park and begin their 2026 campaign with strong performances. 

Meet Information:

Men's Race: 6:20 p.m. - 7.25K

Women's Race: 7:00 p.m. - 5K

Location: Freedom Park

 

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