The No. 9/No. 12 Alabama men’s and women’s cross country teams are poised to start their 2024 regular season this Friday in Huntsville, Alabama, at the Southern Showcase. The event will take place at John Hunt Cross Country Running Park, with the men’s 8k race commencing at 9 a.m. CT, followed by the women’s 5k race at 10 a.m. CT.

Season Opener

This meet marks the first of two in-state competitions for the Crimson Tide during the 2024 season. Later in the year, Alabama will also host the Crimson Classic on Friday, October 18.

High Expectations

The Alabama men’s cross-country team enters the season with high expectations. Last month, the team was named the preseason favorite in the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s (USTFCCCA) Regional Rankings for only the third time since 2010. Additionally, they were predicted to finish second at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships, according to the league’s head coaches.

On the women’s side, the Alabama team was also projected to have a strong season, with predictions placing them second at the SEC Championships and third in the South Region.

Looking Ahead

With the season now underway, both the men’s and women’s squads are eager to prove their mettle on the course. The Southern Showcase provides an early opportunity to gauge their progress and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season.