Alabama
City Auto Memphis Twilight Classic
Cross Country Produces Pair of Third-Place Standings at Twilight Classic
9/5/2026 11:45:00 PM | Track & Field, Cross Country
The Crimson Tide began the new season with bronze finishes in Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The No. 4/No. 11 men's and women's cross country programs both mightily succeeded to open the 2026 campaign, as the two sides of the Crimson Tide program earned third place finishes at the City Auto Memphis Twilight Classic at Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The women totaled 98 points before the men were responsible for 103 points.
The women, competing in the 5K, were the first to the starting line as freshman Eliana Black (17:53.07 | ninth) paced the Alabama women in her first collegiate meet. Following with the four-mile run, Jackson Hogsed (19:30.65 | eighth) was the quickest to the finish line for the men, while Ethan Locke (19:31.44 | ninth) in his collegiate debut followed close behind to secure a pair of top-ten standings.
Women's 5K Rundown
- Black was among a trio of freshmen racers to lead Alabama, with Celina Coryell (18:08.97 | 14th) and Khushi Deol (18.18.63 | 17th) were among the Tide's top-20 racers in their respective Alabama debuts
- Izzie Sullivan (18:30.67 | 24th) and Meriel Rowland (19:04.10 | 38th) added times among the top-quarter of the 168-women field
Men's Four-Mile Rundown
- Returners Evan Simpson (20:05.59 | 17th), Jackson Harris (20:15.86 | 22nd) and Evan Trapp (20:55.49 | 49th) helped solidify Alabama's third-place result
- Marking their initial collegiate appearances, William Scharf finished in 62nd following a time of 21:06.13, while Colvin Bussey clocked a 22:29.84 to place 108th
From Head Coach Dan Waters
- ""Both our men's and women's teams took third to open the season—solid work and a strong start. Now, we've got a foundation to build on. Preparing for a night race brought real challenges, yet both teams rose to meet them. I'm proud of the way we've started the season."
Women's Collegiate 5K Individual Results
- 9th – Eliana Black – 17:53.07
- 14th – Celina Coryell– 18:08.97
- 17th – Khushi Deol – 18.18.63
- 24th – Izzie Sullivan – 18:30.67
- 38th – Meriel Rowland – 19:04.10
Men's Collegiate 4-Mile Individual Results
- 8th – Jackson Hogsed – 19:30.65
- 9th – Ethan Locke – 19.31.44
- 17th – Evan Simpson – 20:05.59
- 22nd – Jackson Harris – 20:15.86
- 49th – Evan Trapp – 20:55.49
Up Next
- Following a week off from competition, the Crimson Tide will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 18, when Alabama travels to Huntsville for the Southern Showcase
- The meet hosted at John Hunt Park is scheduled for an 8:25 a.m. CT start
