CLINTON, Miss. — The Mississippi College men's and women's cross country teams head to Memphis this weekend to compete in the Rhodes College Invitational, a staple on the fall calendar that consistently attracts a strong mix of programs from across the region. Follow along HERE
The meet will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at Shelby Farms, with the men's 8,000-meter race scheduled for 8 a.m. and the women's 5,000-meter race to follow at 8:50 a.m. The course, known for its rolling terrain and wide paths, provides one of the most traditional cross country settings in the South and annually draws Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior college teams, along with occasional Division I entries.
Mississippi College enters the weekend after an early-season challenge at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Ala., where the Choctaws lined up against nationally ranked SEC and ACC squads. Carson Smith led the MC men with a 24:53.49 performance over 8,000 meters, while Bre Bell paced the women at 17:43.76 in the 5,000 meters. Both squads packed well behind their leaders, showing depth that will be key against a more regionally focused field in Memphis.
A year ago, the Choctaws enjoyed tremendous success at the Rhodes Invitational, as Taylor Benoit and Christian Balcer captured the individual titles in the women's and men's races, respectively. The MC men also claimed the team championship at the meet, adding extra motivation to build on that momentum this fall.
Head coach Joe Snyder said Rhodes provides the right balance of competition and course familiarity as the Choctaws continue to shape their lineup ahead of championship season.
"This meet always gives us a great gauge of where we are in September," Snyder said. "The competition is strong, but it's also a course we've run well on in the past, and we're looking forward to seeing how both groups stack up."
This year's trip to Memphis also carries added significance, as Shelby Farms will serve as the host site of the 2025 Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championships.
The Rhodes Invitational traditionally serves as a midseason checkpoint for Mississippi College, offering the team a chance to fine-tune race strategies before turning toward October's championship stretch. Results will be available following Saturday's competition.
