The Virginia Union University women's and men's cross-country teams opened the 2024 season by competing in the Lancer Home Opener, held at Longwood University on Saturday, September 7 in Farmville, Va.

On the women's side, the team placed 2nd overall, with a strong performance led by Abijah Jepkemboi, who ran 20:25. She was followed by Toni Middlebrooks, who set a personal record in the 3.1 miles with a time of 21:56.

On the men's side, freshman Franklin Kipchirchir won the entire meet with a time of 25:03, making it one of the best season openers in Virginia Union University history. The 5.1 miles he ran marked his first collegiate meet, and we're thrilled to have him as part of the team. Congratulations to Chase Burke as well, who ran his first cross country meet and finished the 5.1 miles in under 30 minutes.

"Overall, we have some work to do to get the rest of the men's team up to speed so we can place higher than fourth at the next meet," said VUU Head Cross-Country Coach Franck Charles.   "We also need to bring the women's team up to full strength to ensure a successful season."

Virginia Union will now compete in the VUU Home XC Opener, to be held at on Friday, September 13, at Bryant Park in Richmond, Va.