This Friday, the NC State men’s and women’s cross country will travel to Charlottesville, Virginia, to compete at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships Meet.

Both teams will compete in search of a bid to the NCAA national meet held in Louisville, Kentucky. The top two teams from each region earn an automatic bid to the national competition. Meanwhile, 13 other bids are added “at large.”

Last fall, both men’s and women’s cross country took home the regional crown and earned an automatic spot at Nationals. This year, the Pack will look to build upon this history of success.

The women, fresh off claiming their 23rd ACC title, are particularly poised for success.

Redshirt freshman Dominique Clairmonte has stepped up big for the Pack and finished 3rd at the ACC Championships last month. Additionally, sophomore Elly Henes and redshirt junior Rachel Koon have also proved impactful.

Other key runners to look out for include sophomore Beth Taye and junior Ryen Frazier.

However, the No. 5 women will face stiff competition from No. 12 Furman and No. 23 Eastern Kentucky.

On the men’s side, the No. 23 Pack will likely be led by the trio of junior Philip Hall, redshirt freshman Joe Bistritz and redshirt sophomore Ben Barrett.  

Freshman Ian Shanklin and redshirt senior Aubrey Myjer should also help lead the way.

The toughest competition for the men will likely come from No. 7 Furman and No. 9 Virginia Tech. 

But, with momentum on its side, the Pack will likely achieve big things this weekend in its bid for nationals.