HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Mississippi Christian cross country competed against a loaded field Friday morning at the Southern Showcase, taking on several NCAA Division I programs along with some of the top teams in Division II.

The Choctaw men finished 15th overall in the 29-team field with 455 points in their first 8K of the 2026 season. MC finished ahead of several Division I programs, including Tennessee Tech, Chattanooga, Mercer, ULM, Morehead State, College of Charleston, South Alabama, Samford, and West Georgia.

It was a slew of three seniors that crossed the line first for the Choctaws. Reigning GSC Runner of the Week Baxter Friedman led the way, in a time of 25:18.2. Matthew Singletary followed in 25:33.7, while Carson Smith finished just behind him in 25:34.9.

Red shirt freshmen Tristan Bryan and Samuel Bryan rounded out the scoring five in what was their first collegiate 8k representing the Choctaws. Tristan finished in 25:55.9, while Samuel crossed the line in 25:58.8, putting the entire scoring 5 under 26 minutes. The Choctaws finished with a 41-second spread between their first and fifth runners and averaged 25:41 across their scoring five.

Mississippi Christian also competed against fellow Gulf South Conference program Lee, who finished 11th, providing valuable insight against one of the nation's best Division II teams.

On the women's side, Mississippi Christian placed 21st in a 31-team field with 619 points. The Lady Choctaws represented themselves well in a race loaded with some of the nation's best teams.

Catherine Wallace led MC with a time of 18:06.8 in the 5K. Wallace finished 70th overall and was knocking on the door of a sub 18 minute 5k. 

Audrey Mayatte was the second MC runner across the line, finishing in 18:51.1. Kinley Harris followed closely behind in 18:54.1, giving the Lady Choctaws three runners under 19 minutes.

Freshman Andi Kate Holley continued her impressive start this season with a 19:07.9 performance, while fellow freshman Elena Pina rounded out the scoring five in 19:20.6. MC's top five averaged 18:53.

The Choctaw scoring five featured 2 freshmen, 2 sophomores, and 1 junior. The potential for the Lady Choctaws cannot be understated, as this young team continues to improve with every race. 

The Southern Showcase gave both Mississippi Christian teams an opportunity to compete in one of their largest fields of the season, with the men's race featuring the first 8K test of the year.

Next time out for the Choctaws will be the first split squad of the season. The top 7 will head to Louisville for the Live in Lou Classic, while the remainder of the roster will be back out at Choctaw trails, for the Belhaven Invitational.