The Bob Jones University men's and women's cross country teams opened their 2026 campaign on home turf and under the lights at the annual Bruins XC Night Classic. With just over 200 runners and even more fans, it was an electric atmosphere for the late night meet. 

As the lights turned on at the athletics fields at Bob Jones University, the women's teams toed the line for their 4k.

As the race got underway, the Bruins ran four 1k loops around the fields. In her first race on the cross country team, Laura Roland led the Bruins and crossed the finish line in the top-50 with a time of 17:29.30. Freshman Arianna Hudson was close behind with a time of 17:51.60 as the second runner across the line for Bob Jones. Olivia Reyes (18:04.00), Kristen Dodds (18:06.80), and Cora Gagne (18:25.20) wrapped up the scoring for the Bruins. Right behind Gagne was freshman Kaitlyn Rodman with a season opening time of 18:27.00. 

In a field of 12 teams, ranging from NCAA DI, DII, and DIII, the Bruins finished 11th right behind Truett McConnell. 

At the conclusion of the women's race, it was time for the men's 6k event. 

Jacob Doshier was the lead runner for the Bruins as he finished the race 35th with a time of 21:08.50. Senior Daniel Kyle crossed the line as the number two runner for Bob Jones at 22:29.60. Right behind him with a time of  22:29.60 was James Baer. The final two runners scoring for the Bruins were Joram Madrama (23:50.70) and Luke VanDenBerghe (24:00.40). Three freshmen (Eoin Flynn, Daniel Baer, and Noah Woo) wrapped up the final runners for the Bruins. 

It was a competitive field as the Bruins finished the meet in tenth place behind Back Campus Elite, a group of Bruins cross country alumni. 

"We showed up and the effort was there, but we simply did not have much in the tank at this point in the season," said Coach Ken Roach. "We are a young team, and that showed against some very fit teams. But God's grace showed its power in the effort itself. When our legs were tired, we still competed for each other, and we will learn instead of hide. Gods grace will give us a chance to regroup."

Full results from the Bruins Night Classic can be found here. 

Up next, the Bruins will go across town to compete at the Furman Invite on September 12.