SoCon Cross Country Teams Earn Regional Recognition

Three Southern Conference cross country programs have earned top-15 regional rankings, as announced Monday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The Furman men’s and women’s teams, along with the Samford women’s squad, all secured spots in their respective regional polls.

Both Furman squads were tabbed to win their 13th consecutive league titles in last week’s SoCon preseason poll. The Paladin men are ranked fifth in the Southeast Region and tied with Michigan State for 30th nationally, and are led by Chris Knight, who finished third at last year's conference championship. The Furman women, led by standout Carly Wilkes and reigning SoCon champion, are ranked seventh in the Southeast.

Samford’s women’s team, led by reigning SoCon Women’s Cross Country Freshman of the Year Felicity Hamilton, enters the season ranked 11th in the South Region.

Furman and Samford will kick off their 2025 campaigns on Friday. The Paladins open at USC Upstate’s Eye Opener meet, while the Bulldogs begin at Jacksonville State’s Foothills Invitational. All remaining SoCon programs will also toe the starting line for the first time this weekend.