The Utah Tech Trailblazer men's and women's cross country teams were scheduled to open their 2026 season on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the NAU George Kyte Classic in Flagstaff, according to an August 31 statement from Utah Tech University Athletics.
The men's race was scheduled for 5:15 p.m. MT covering 4.5 miles, while the women's race was scheduled for 6 p.m. MT covering 2.5 miles. Participating teams for the meet include Northern Arizona, Utah Tech, Grand Canyon, and Embry-Riddle (Ariz.).
In the preseason Big Sky Coaches' Poll released on Aug. 20, the Trailblazer women were selected seventh and the men were picked eighth. The women's team earned 60 points, while the men's team registered 48 points. Northern Arizona was selected first on both sides of the poll.
The men's roster includes eight returners and six newcomers. Senior returners include Dennis Speaks, Ryan Hatch, Aiden Hardy, and Collin Manning, while newcomer Joey Hartnett joins from Iowa Western CC. Junior returners include Carter Day from Snow College, Brady Eager from Paradise Valley CC, Corbin Pyle from Mesa CC, and Tyler Mullins. Sophomore returners include Carter Frost, Payton Wilkins, and Mordechai Yadegar, alongside newcomer Brett Bailey from Snow College. Freshman newcomer Benjamin Fernandez joins the squad.
The women's roster consists of nine returners and seven newcomers. Seniors include Makayla Pitcher, Adri Bird, Averie Perriton, Charly Murie, and Erin McKinnon. Juniors include returners Makayla Boulton, Hailee Phillips, and Kambrie Wilkinson, along with newcomer Lucy Melzer from Mesa CC. Sophomores include returner Natalie Roberts and newcomers Maddie Embley from Utah State and Reese Moss from Snow College. Four freshmen newcomers include Talia Anderson of Saratoga Springs, Utah, Camryn Delancey of Gilbert, Ariz., Ashlynn Lainhartt of Mapleton, Utah, and Maya Parker of Saratoga Springs, Utah.
Following the trip to Arizona, the Trailblazers were scheduled to compete in the UC Riverside Invitational on Sept. 19. The season continues in October with the Southern Utah Color Country Invitational in Cedar City on Oct. 3 and concludes the regular season at the Under Armour Pre-National Invitational on Oct. 16.
