FLORENCE, Ala. (August 22, 2024) – The University of North Alabama men's and women's cross country programs will begin a new era this season under head coach Connor Callahan. The team began training on Wednesday and begins the season August 31 in Memphis.
 
Additionally, the Atlantic Sun Conference announced its preseason information for cross country on Wednesday. The Lions are picked to finish eighth on the women's side and ninth on the men's side. Both teams finished 9th of 12 teams last season.
 
"I'm excited for the racing season to start," said Callahan. "It is our goal as a team to continue getting better each day. I believe if we can put one day after another together, we can improve our conference placement from last season. We have a good mix of upperclassmen and newcomers. We will need to be ready to step up when the time comes in those big meets and that is my job to get everyone prepared."
 
On the men's side, the Lions return nine runners from last season with five seniors, two juniors and two sophomores. Four newcomers also join the fold, including sophomore transfer Alex Kuntz from Elkmont, Ala. by way of Lincoln Memorial University, as well as three runners from Kenya in Brian Bett, Vincent Chepkwony and Rowny Kipchirchir.
 
Twelve runners return for the women's team, including six seniors and one graduate student. The group also includes one junior and four sophomores. The Lions welcome two newcomers to the roster in true freshmen Sophia Gentile and Mary Anna Trimble. Gentile comes from Florence High School, while Trimble ran at Muscle Shoals.
 
The season gets underway August 31 at the City Auto Memphis Twilight, followed by the UNA Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 7 at McFarland Park. The event is free and open to the public. Race times will be announced in the coming days.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.