The 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships have come to an end, leaving behind a trail of excitement, surprises, and standout performances. With the season wrapping up, top athletes are shifting their focus to the upcoming indoor track season, set to kick off at Boston University in just 11 days. The NCAA championships, held at the iconic Thomas Zimmer Course in Madison, Wisconsin, offered a thrilling weekend of racing and provided us with some unforgettable moments. From BYU’s unexpected women’s title to standout performances from athletes with track backgrounds, here’s a look back at the key takeaways from the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships.
BYU Women’s Team Makes History with NCAA Cross Country Victory
Coming into the 2024 NCAA championships as the top-ranked team, BYU’s women’s squad had a lot to prove. Despite only one runner ever having finished in the top 65 at NCAAs, the Cougars demonstrated immense growth under head coach Diljeet Taylor’s leadership. Taylor’s confidence in her athletes paid off as they delivered one of the most remarkable performances in NCAA history. Carmen Alder, who had placed 203rd and 246th in previous years, finished 39th, a leap of 207 spots. Riley Chamberlain also made an impressive jump, moving from 216th to 31st, and Lexy Halladay-Lowry, BYU’s top runner, moved from 103rd to 14th. This wasn’t just a win—it was a testament to BYU’s growth as a team, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
BYU’s men’s team also clinched the national title, continuing their dominance in NCAA Cross Country. The team’s success is rooted in their unique composition, with several athletes having served two-year missions for the LDS church. This gives BYU one of the oldest teams in NCAA Cross Country. In fact, four of their top seven runners were in their sixth, seventh, or eighth year post-high school. The experience showed in their performance, with Casey Clinger, 26, leading the team as their top finisher.
NCAA Women’s Coach of the Year: The Battle Between BYU’s Diljeet Taylor and West Virginia’s Sean Cleary
The debate over the 2024 NCAA Women’s Coach of the Year title is fierce. Should it go to BYU’s Diljeet Taylor, who led her team to victory, or West Virginia’s Sean Cleary, who guided his team to a surprising second-place finish? West Virginia’s performance was particularly stunning, given their lower preseason expectations. Ceili McCabe, the team’s leader, delivered an exceptional performance, while newcomers like Sarah Tait and Emily Bryce exceeded expectations, helping the Mountaineers achieve their best finish in years. Both coaches have earned significant recognition for their remarkable work this season.
Track Athletes Who Impressed (and Struggled) in Cross Country
One of the highlights of the NCAA Cross Country Championships is watching athletes from various track disciplines take on the challenging course. While many milers and steeplechasers excelled, others struggled to adapt. For example, Nathan Green, who ran a 3:32 in the 1500 meters, finished 54th in his first NCAA Cross Country race. Similarly, steeplechaser James Corrigan, a US Olympian, finished 62nd, while miler Colin Sahlman, despite being an NCAA 1500 finalist, placed 67th. However, there were track stars who thrived in the cross-country setting, including Ethan Strand of North Carolina and Liam Murphy of Villanova, who placed 8th and 9th, respectively, showing that milers can hold their own in the longer cross-country races.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Rising Stars and What’s Next
The 2024 season may have ended, but the future of NCAA Cross Country looks bright. With athletes like George Couttie of Virginia Tech, who placed 14th in his first NCAA championship, and Rachel Forsyth of Michigan State, who finished 16th, the talent pool for next year’s championships is deep. These rising stars are poised to make waves in 2025, and many more athletes are sure to emerge as contenders for future titles. With such a competitive field, the excitement surrounding next year’s championships is already building.
Key Takeaways from the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships
- BYU’s Historic Victory: A remarkable performance by BYU’s women’s team, proving their ability to rise to the occasion.
- Track Stars in Cross Country: Miler Ethan Strand and steeplechaser Liam Murphy impressed in the NCAA XC meet.
- Experience Matters: Teams like BYU and Iowa State demonstrated the value of seasoned athletes.
- Coach of the Year Debate: Diljeet Taylor of BYU and Sean Cleary of West Virginia both led their teams to remarkable success.
- Looking to 2025: Rising stars like George Couttie and Rachel Forsyth are set to make an impact on next year’s NCAA Cross Country Championships.
As we look ahead to 2025, the NCAA Cross Country scene will continue to evolve, with a new generation of athletes ready to challenge the status quo. The 2024 championships have set the stage for a thrilling future, and the excitement for next year is already palpable.
