PULASKI, Tenn. — Coming off a historic 2025 campaign that saw both the men's and women's programs record their highest finishes at the Southern States Athletic Conference Championships, the University of Tennessee Southern cross country teams have announced their 2026 schedule.
The Firehawks enter the new season with strong momentum after both squads earned runner-up finishes at the SSAC Championships last fall, while returning over half of their rosters to build on that success in 2026.
UT Southern opens the season on September 4 at the JSU Foothills Invitational in Oxford, Alabama, beginning a six-meet regular season slate leading into postseason competition.
The Firehawks will also compete in the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, the Firehawk Invitational in Oakville, the Christian Brothers Invitational in Memphis, the North Alabama Invitational in Florence, and the Appalachian Challenge in Knoxville throughout the regular season.
The postseason begins November 6 at the SSAC Cross Country Championships in Clinton, Mississippi, where both teams will look to improve upon last year's second-place finishes and contend for conference titles.
Qualifying individuals and teams will advance to the NAIA Cross Country National Championships on November 20 in Vancouver, Washington.
The 2025 season marked a turning point for the Firehawks, as both squads reached new heights at the conference level. With experienced returners across both rosters, UT Southern enters the 2026 season positioned as a strong contender in the SSAC.
In addition to collegiate competition, UT Southern will host several events throughout the year, including a summer cross country camp from June 29 through July 2 and the Firehawk 5K on August 22.
Head Coach Justin Watson begins his seventh season as the Firehawks' head mentor, continuing to lead the steady rise of the UT Southern cross country programs.
FOLLOW THE FIREHAWKS
Tap in with everything happening around UT Southern Athletics and keep up with the Firehawks all season long.
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/utsathletics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utsouthernathletics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTSouthernFirehawks
Scores, highlights, announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and more — stay connected and rep the Firehawks everywhere you go. Go Firehawks!
