BRIDGEWATER, Va.- The runners of EMU Cross Country toed the starting line for the first time in 2026 on Tuesday, making the short trek down Route 42 for the annual Eagle Cross Country Challenge, hosted by Bridgewater College on their campus.
The men's team made an excellent first impression on the season, claiming the team title
with a low score in 31 points. Out of the Royals' scoring five, the top four were all newcomers to the squad, including one junior and three first-years.
Noah Hagberg, a first-year from Mechanicsville, Va., was the first EMU runners across the line in a time of 20:15.9 for 6k (3.73 miles).
Gavin Diehl of Bridgewater won the individual men's title for the host team in a time of 20:13.0
Highlights
- Team Score: 31 points (1st of 6)
- Theo Andreas, a junior who is also on the disc golf team, was the second Royals across the finish line, finishing fourth in a time of 20:45.2.
- First-years Jonah Smith and Joshua Reinford were right on Andreas' heels in fifth and sixth, respectively, running times of 20:51.3 and 21:00.7
- Luke Buckwalter rounded out the scoring five with a 6k time of 22:10.7.
- Ben Wheeler (40th/25:33) and Alex Belisle (41st/25:33) also competed for the Royals.
What's Next
The EMU cross country teams will take their turn as the host school when they hold their annual Roland & Darlene Landes Invitational on campus this Friday, Sept. 4. The men's 5k will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the women's 5k at approximately 7 p.m.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU cross country program this year, follow EMU Athletics on Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
