Ole Miss Cross Country Opens 2026 Season at Memphis Twilight
The University of Mississippi’s cross country teams started their 2026 season Saturday at the Memphis Twilight Classic, held at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Memphis. The event was hosted by Christian Brothers University.
The women’s team competed in a 5K race at 9:20 p.m., followed by the men’s four-mile race at 10 p.m. Both teams will participate in a total of three meets this weekend, with subsequent competitions scheduled for September 25 at the Gans Creek Classic, October 9 at the Nuttycombe Invitational for the men, and October 16 at Pre Nationals for the women.
The schedule also includes the SEC Championship in Columbia, Missouri, on October 30, the NCAA South Regional in Tallahassee, Florida, on November 13, and the NCAA Championships in Terre Haute, Indiana, on November 21, according to meet officials.
This season marks the debut of first-year coach Cory Leslie, who was hired in July as associate head cross country and assistant track and field coach. Leslie previously led elite middle- and long-distance runners with the Under Armour Professional Track & Field Team since 2021 and has experience with USA Track & Field. He also served as head cross country and assistant track coach at Arizona State from 2017 to 2020 and began his coaching career at Furman University from 2012 to 2016.
The men’s team returns four runners from last year’s NCAA Championship squad, which finished 22nd nationally. Kidus Misgina, who placed 46th overall and was named SEC Newcomer of the Year in 2025, leads the group. Other returning runners include Zack Gilbertson, Owen Kelley, and John Shoemaker. The team added two freshmen and two transfers for this season.
The women’s roster features 10 returning athletes, led by senior Jillian Candelino and sophomore Leah Penick. Candelino, a former SEC all-freshman team member at Tennessee, and Penick, who placed fifth at last year’s Memphis Twilight, are expected to be key contributors. Penick’s debut time was 17:21.7, with a personal record of 20:30.8 in the 6K at the NCAA South Regional.
More information about the Memphis Twilight Classic can be found on the meet’s official website.
Source: Original Article
