BYU’s Historic NCAA Cross-Country Victory: A Tale of Triumph, Resilience, and Teamwork
Saturday in Wisconsin marked a historic day for BYU, as the Cougars achieved an extraordinary feat in collegiate sports. Winning both the men’s and women’s NCAA cross-country championships in the same year, BYU joined an elite club of just five schools to have accomplished this milestone. The Cougars followed in the footsteps of Colorado (2004), Stanford (1996 and 2003), and Wisconsin (1985), solidifying their dominance in distance running.
A Double Victory: Uniting Opposite Strategies
BYU’s dual championships were a showcase of strategic brilliance. The women’s team opted for patience, biding their time before surging ahead in the final 1.5 kilometers. This tactical execution earned them 147 points, putting them ahead of West Virginia (164 points) and Providence (183 points). Northern Arizona and Oregon rounded out the top five, while Utah, ranked ninth nationally, finished a distant 19th.
In contrast, the men’s team took an aggressive approach, seizing the lead from the start and holding off a fierce rally from rivals in the closing kilometers. Their strategy paid off as they clinched the title with 124 points, narrowly edging out Iowa State (137 points) and outperforming Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Northern Arizona.
Key Performances: Athletes Who Delivered
The Cougars’ success was underpinned by standout performances. On the men’s side, Casey Clinger led the charge, finishing sixth overall on the 10,000-meter course with a time of 28:45.1. Supporting him were Creed Thompson (12th), Joey Nokes (31st), Lucas Bons (39th), and Davin Thompson (50th). Remarkably, the top five BYU men finished within 48 seconds of one another. Even the sixth and seventh runners, James Corrigan and Aidan Troutner, placed among the top 80 in a field of over 250 competitors.
For the women, Lexy Lowry battled back from injury to finish 14th overall, covering the 6,000-meter course in 19:48.4. Her teammates Riley Chamberlain (31st), Carmen Alder (39th), Taylor Rohatinsky (43rd), and Carlee Hansen (49th in team scoring) ensured a tight 33-second spread between the first and fifth runner. Hansen’s performance as the team’s fifth scorer was particularly critical, with her finish being the best among all fifth-place runners in the field.
Overcoming Adversity: Resilience Defines the Women’s Team
The women’s championship was a testament to resilience. The Cougars faced significant setbacks, including injuries to key athletes. Jenna Hutchins, the team’s consistent No. 2 runner, was sidelined by a stress injury. Meanwhile, Lowry revealed she couldn’t walk after the Big 12 championships due to a hip issue. Remarkably, she spent nine days exclusively training in the pool, describing herself as a “mermaid” during her recovery.
Despite these challenges, the team executed their plan flawlessly. As coach Diljeet Taylor explained, their strategy emphasized urgency at the start, maintaining composure in the middle, and finishing strong. “I trusted that they had the fitness to close hard,” said Taylor. “Our training and the work they had done prepared them.”
The Men’s Dominance: A Nail-Biting Finish
The men’s race wasn’t without drama. Coach Ed Eyestone used visual cues during the race to keep his athletes informed about their standing. Early on, BYU built a commanding 65-point lead, prompting some concern about whether they had pushed too hard too soon. However, the team’s pacing proved sound, and they weathered a late surge from competitors to secure the title.
“We got out hard and hung on by our fingernails,” Eyestone remarked. Reflecting on the women’s earlier win, he noted how it inspired the men. “Our women did a wonderful job. They set the table for us.”
A Legacy of Excellence
This victory cemented BYU’s reputation as a powerhouse in distance running. The women’s team celebrated their second national championship in five years and sixth overall, while the men’s team claimed their second in six years. Both programs have consistently ranked among the top at NCAA championships, with the women earning top-two finishes four times in the last seven years and the men achieving top-three placements six times in eight years.
The success extends beyond collegiate competition. Seven current and former BYU runners qualified for the U.S. Olympic track team last summer, with Kenneth Rooks earning a silver medal in the steeplechase. Additionally, BYU alumni like Conner Mantz and Clayton Young have shone on the professional stage, excelling in major marathons and the Olympics.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
While the men’s team will lose three seniors to graduation, reinforcements are already on the horizon. Daniel Simmons, a two-time national high school cross-country athlete of the year, is set to join BYU after completing a church mission. The women’s team, too, will look to reload, with three of their top five runners also graduating.
Coach Taylor expressed immense pride in her team, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance. “They embraced the imperfect, which is what it takes,” she said. “They let go of individual success and focused on the team.”
A Moment to Remember
Saturday’s victories are a defining moment in BYU’s athletic history. Of the 17 national championships won by BYU teams, eight have come from cross country, with another contributed by the track team. As ESPN aptly put it, BYU has become part of the “ruling class” of distance running. The Cougars’ performances in Wisconsin will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to reach for greatness.
The championships showcased not only athletic excellence but also the power of determination, strategy, and teamwork. For BYU, it was more than just a victory — it was a statement.
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