- The Aggies open their season at home for the first time since 2021.
- The race features free admission at the Watts Cross Country Course.
- It marks the first of four home meets this season.
COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M men’s and women’s cross country teams kick off their 2026 season at home in the Aggie Opener on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Watts Cross Country Course.
The women will compete in a 2-mile race beginning at 6:45 p.m., followed by the men’s 5K at 7:15 p.m. The Watts Cross Country Course welcomes eight teams, featuring local, national and international talent from colleges across Texas.
The women’s team placed sixth at the 2025 SEC Championships before claiming the NCAA South Central Regional Championship with 71 points. Five of the team’s top seven from the regional-winning squad return this season, along with Kennady Fontenot and Emma Little, who both redshirted in 2025. The Aggies also add national standout freshman Laney Barnes of Cypress, Texas, who finished 31st at the 2025 Nike Cross Nationals.
On the men’s side, the team also finished sixth at the 2025 SEC Championships and took third at the NCAA South Central Regional Championship with 83 points. Four of the team’s top seven from last year’s SEC Championship squad return, while newcomers Michael Moiben and Alessandro Pasquinucci provide additional firepower. The men’s team will field six athletes looking to compete for the win: Jack Johnston, Aiden Gonzalez-Rodiles, Zack Munger, Noah Willows, Hunter Jackson and Gavin Chapa.
At the two home meets in 2025, the men’s team was undefeated, recording eight individual top-10 finishes. The women’s team also had a strong showing, earning four top-10 finishes and placing first and third, respectively. With the Aggies hosting four home meets this season, they will look to prolong their impressive form at home through 2026.
The Aggie Opener will host eight teams from across Texas, including local rivals Houston and Baylor, as well as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who return NCAA South Central Champion Elizabeth Khatevi.
Fans can follow the meet results through Flash Results Aggie Opener. All home meets are free to the public. No pets are allowed at the Watts Cross Country Course or Hildebrand Equine Complex.
Parking
Due to Saturday's football game, parking at the Hildebrand Equine Complex is unavailable. For a complete parking map click HERE.