DETROIT -- The Wayne State University men's and women's cross country programs are set to open the 2026 slate as they co-host the Tommy T vs. W The Warrior Cross Country Classic with Detroit Mercy.  The competition will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Cass Benton Park in Northville, Mich. 

The showcase will feature both a women's 5K and a men's 4-mile race.  The women's event is set to begin at 10 a.m. with the men following at 10:45 a.m. 

Participating schools include Wayne State, Detroit Mercy, Cleary, Michigan-Dearborn, Rochester Christian, Muskegon Community College, Macomb Community College and Spring Arbor. 

QUOTING COACH LOFDAHL
"We are excited to get out and compete close to home, after a long summer of training and a solid first few weeks of work this season.  It will be good competition with our fellow Detroit school UDM competing, and some other solid teams and individuals.  This meet is just the first competitive step on a long journey for the 2026 Warriors. The goals are to compete at a high level, while understanding that championship season is two months away, and that we are training accordingly.  We hope to get the rustiness out of our systems, and get in a good hard effort on a challenging course that will help set us up for the regional course in Kenosha down the road."  

Men's Squad 
The Warrior men are expecting to see 19 to 20 men on the course this weekend.  The core of the lineup is anchored by a strong group of veteran returners, including junior Sean Pettis (Fremont, Mich.), senior Jared Platt (White Lake, Mich.), redshirt junior Griffin Conway (Novi, Mich.), junior Andrew Yax (Clio, Mich.), and redshirt junior Gabe Trevino (Saginaw, Mich. / Heritage). 

Women's Squad
The WSU women's squad features a mix of experience and fresh talent for the season-opening meet, with 15 to 17 athletes expected to compete.  Leading the returners are sophomore Ava Peters (Livonia, Mich. / Franklin), redshirt sophomore Paige McArdle (Davison, Mich.) and redshirt junior Meagan Verellen (Shelby Township, Mich. / Utica).  Freshmen October Harns (Okemos, Mich.) and Elise Barden (Vassar, Mich. / Frankenmuth) step into the lineup immediately ready to contribute in their first collegiate race in the green and gold. 

USTFCCCA Regional Rankings 
Ahead of the 2026 campaign, the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA) released its DII preseason regional rankings on Wednesday, Sept. 2.  In the Midwest region, the Wayne State women check in at No. 7, with conference foes Grand Valley State (#1), Saginaw Valley State (#5), and Northern Michigan (#9) also landing among the top 10.  The men open the year 10th in the Midwest, joined in the top 10 by fellow GLIAC members Grand Valley State (#1), Saginaw Valley State (#3) and Michigan Tech (#8). 

Up Next
Following the season opener, Wayne State heads to Lansing, Mich. on Friday, Sept. 18, for the Lansing CC Stars Invitational hosted by Lansing Community College at Grand Woods Park.