Mississippi College Cross Country Preps for Home Opener

An open time trial kicked off the Choctaws’ anticipated cross country season.

MC’s cross country teams geared up for their home opener with an open time trial this past Thursday. The time trial was an unofficial meet held at the Robinson-Hale Stadium track Thursday, August 22nd. 

Cole Benoit and Bradeon Methvin finishing their two-mile time trial Thursday, August 22nd (Photo Credit: Logan Orman).

The meet started with the first heat at 7:30 p.m. The race was free of charge and open for anyone to sign up. Local schools such as Millsaps brought men and women alike to run the two-mile event. Other Mississippi College sports teams joined in as well. The event was conducted in four heats organized by cross country head coach Chris Webber. Coach Webber is being assisted this year by Austin Flynn, a former Choctaw runner. 

The teams are both starting their seasons strong. The women’s team is ranked second in the Gulf South Conference preseason rankings, and the men are ranked third. 

Leading the Lady Choctaws in the two-mile was senior Lauren Wallace. Wallace has been a top runner for Mississippi College since her freshman year.

Wallace is excited for her senior year and for the addition of several new members to the team. “We have a lot of new freshmen, and they’re just fitting in so well,” Wallace said. “We’re excited to share our culture with them, and take on this new season together.” Last year, the women’s team finished 24th out of 32 teams that competed in nationals. The girls have since added six freshmen after losing four out of seven of their national squad members. 

“I think a pinnacle part of our program is that we love getting up early, working hard side by side, and encouraging each other,” Wallace said. “There is so much growth that happens during that time, and we learn a lot of lessons together.”

Likewise, Bradeon Methvin was a front runner for the Choctaws finishing at just over nine minutes in the two mile. This is Methvin’s last year of cross-country eligibility, and he says he’s excited by how well the team is clicking. 

“We have a really good group of guys that have dedicated a lot this past summer,” Methvin said. “Even better, we all work together. That’s probably what makes me excited the most.” 

The men’s squad is retaining most of its national squad runners, with the exceptions of Cole Benoit and Jan Lukas Becker. They have also tacked on six new freshmen as well as one transfer. Methvin has already established goals for the new season. “I want this to be the best team Mississippi College has ever had,” Methvin said. “If we can achieve that goal, nothing else really matters to me. I’m ready to travel with the boys, eat good food, and have fun at the start lines of races.”

The Choctaws' official home opener is set for Friday, September 6th at 5:00 p.m. The meet will be held at Choctaw Trails.