HUNTINGDON — The 2025 Juniata College men’s cross country team will face a well-structured and competitive fall season, featuring key invitational meets and championship-caliber races. With eight events stretching from late August through mid-November, the Eagles will gain valuable race experience across varied terrain and against top-level regional competition.

August-September: Building Early Season Form

The season kicks off on Aug. 29 at the Father Bede Invitational, hosted by St. Francis University. This meet serves as an early tune-up and a chance for the team to set a strong foundation.

One week later, on Sept. 6, the Eagles travel to New Jersey for the Ranger XC Invitational at Drew University. This meet will offer a preview of the Landmark Championship course, giving Juniata runners an early edge in familiarizing themselves with the layout.

The team returns home for the Juniata Home Meet on September 12. This mid-September event provides a rare opportunity to race on familiar ground and showcase team depth in front of a home crowd.

Closing out the month, Juniata competes in the Dickinson Long-Short Invitational on Sept. 27. A staple in the region’s cross country calendar, this meet offers a unique format that splits runners between long and short races, providing strategic development for both top and rising athletes as well as a preview of the NCAA Regional course.

October: Top-Tier Competition and Final Tune-Ups

The Eagles open October at the Paul Short Run on Oct. 3, hosted by Lehigh University. One of the largest and most competitive meets in the nation, Paul Short brings together top NCAA Division I, II, and III programs. Juniata’s presence here will offer valuable experience against elite-level fields.

On Oct. 18, the team heads to the Aubrey Shenk Invitational, hosted by Gettysburg College. This meet, known for its fast and fair course, is a final prep before the postseason.

November: Championship Season

Juniata enters the postseason on Nov. 1 at the Landmark Championship, held at Drew University. With a deep knowledge of the course from their early season race, the Eagles will look to translate that into a strong showing against conference rivals.

The season concludes at NCAA Regionals on Nov. 15, hosted by Dickinson College. This meet brings together the region’s best and will serve as a fitting test of the team’s growth and endurance across the season.

Key Takeaways:

Eight meets spread over three months provide a consistent rhythm and ideal training-to-racing balance

Landmark Championship course preview on September 6 allows for early race planning and strategy development

Participation in the Paul Short Run offers national-level exposure and experience

NCAA Regionals caps off the season with high-stakes competition against the Mid-Atlantic’s best

With a combination of strategic scheduling and high-level competition, the 2025 season positions the Juniata women’s cross country team for growth, resilience, and postseason impact.