Wallace State Cross Country turns heads at Memphis Twilight

HANCEVILLE,

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Ala. — Wallace State men’s and women’s cross country opened their 2025 seasons with strong showings at the prestigious City Auto Memphis Twilight XC Classic, competing against a loaded field of NCAA Division I and NJCAA Division I programs.

The men’s team placed sixth overall, finishing just behind NCAA DI powerhouses Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Middle Tennessee State and Arkansas State, along with NJCAA DI contender Crowder Community College. Sophomore Daniel Leija led the way for the Lions, finishing 28th overall with a time of 20:26.87. He was followed closely by Tyler Anthony in 33rd (20:45.98) and Carson Masterson in 39th (21:11.34), giving Wallace State a tight pack at the front.

On the women’s side, the Lions finished eighth overall, showing they could compete stride-for-stride with NCAA DI and NAIA programs. Brookelyn Morgan posted a standout effort, crossing in 29th place at 18:47.69. She was joined in the top 60 by teammates Cadence Rivera (40th, 19:43.62), Grace Gosline (49th, 19:51.34) and Reagan Parris (52nd, 20:01.76), giving Wallace State solid depth in the opening meet.

Head coach Tony Crider was encouraged by the season debut.

“I think both the men’s and women’s teams made a strong statement in our first event,” Crider said. “Only NCAA Division I or NJCAA Division I teams finished above the men’s team, and the same for the women’s team, except for an NAIA team. Both teams are pushing one another to get better every day.”

Wallace State will return to action Friday morning at the University of North Alabama Invite, where both squads look to build on the momentum from Memphis.