XC Central: Tennessee Cross Country Invitational

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Justin Duncan's second year at the helm of Tennessee cross country begins Friday morning as the Vols and Lady Vols play host to the Tennessee Cross Country Invitational. The season will begin at 8 a.m. ET with the men's 4-mile, followed by the women's 3-mile at 8:45 a.m.

The Big Orange will welcome a pair of Southeastern Conference opponents to Rocky Top as No. 11/9 Alabama and Kentucky are set to compete at UT's season opener. Inter-system foe Chattanooga rounds out the field scheduled to run along the banks of the Tennessee River at the Cherokee Farm Cross Country Course.

Attendance and parking for the Tennessee Cross Country Invitational is free to all spectators. The course and parking map can be viewed HERE, and fans can follow along with the action via live results provided by AdkinsTrak Timing Associates.

Duncan enters his second season on Rocky Top with a revamped squad on the men's and women's side. More than 50 percent of the roster is comprised of true freshmen and transfers, with several athletes set to make their Big Orange debuts on Friday. Tennessee's entries for the opening home meet are listed below:

MEN

WOMEN

PRESEASON POLL: Tennessee was receiving votes on both sides in the preseason edition of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) national rankings. The Vols were picked third in the South Region, while the Lady Vols were slotted fifth regionally.

INTERNATIONAL MIX: Duncan's 22 cross country athletes hail from eight different countries – the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Kenya, Morocco, Scotland and Wales.

UP NEXT: After the home opener, the Vols and Lady Vols will enter a four-week training block in preparation for the Gans Creek Classic on Friday, Sept. 26 in Columbia, Missouri – getting a preview of the host site of the 2025 NCAA Cross Country National Championships.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Hudson Betts

Nia Clatworthy

Ethan Edgeworth

Tula Fawbush

Gavin Genisio

Noah Harris

Andie-Marie Jones

Haley Loewe

Nelson Mapi Setek

Charlie Mlotshwa

Mary Nyaboke Ogwoka

Zouhair Redouane

Summer Schuster

Jaci Sievers

Ty Steorts

Scout Storms

University of Tennessee Athletics