JONESBORO, Ark. (8/30/24) – Arkansas State cross country is set to open the 2024 campaign under the lights on Saturday night, competing in the City Auto Memphis Twilight Classic.

Held at Mike Rose Soccer Complex, the women's 5K race begins the collegiate action at 9:20 p.m., with the men's 4-mile run to follow at approximately 10 p.m. Live results can be found here.

TEAMS COMPETING (MEN/WOMEN RANKINGS): Arkansas State, Calhoun CC, Christian Brothers (host), Evangel, Freed-Hardeman, Lyon, Memphis, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi State (women only), North Alabama, No. 29/27 Ole Miss, Ozarks (Ark.), Pellissippi State CC, Rust, Texas A&M-Commerce, UT Martin

THREE THINGS TO NOTE:

1.     (RUNNING) IN MEMPHIS: Saturday's race is a bit further than 10 feet off of Beale, but the Red Wolves are no stranger to competing in the Bluff City. In fact, A-State will have competed in at least one Memphis-based meet in five of the last six seasons dating back to 2018 after Saturday's competition. And it won't be the last time this season, with the Scarlet and Black running in the Rhodes Invitational at Shelby Farms Park on Sept. 21.

2.     NEW FACES, SAME STANDARD: Arkansas State welcomes 17 newcomers to the fold this season - nine men and eight women. However, that doesn't change the standard set by head cross country coach Jesse Duvall. The Red Wolves' number-one goal once again this season will be adding to their growing conference title collection.

3.     PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATION: Arkansas State was picked to finish at or near the top of the Sun Belt Conference in the 2024 preseason coaches poll, with the women's team picked to take the crown and men being picked second. In the USTFCCCA preseason regional rankings, A-State clocked in at fifth in the men's rankings and the women were ninth.

SOCIAL MEDIA

For the latest on the A-State track and field and cross country programs, follow @AStateTrack on Twitter and @astatetfxc on Instagram, while also liking the team's Facebook page at Facebook.com/AStateTrackAndField.