University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Cross Country Releases 2026 Schedule
08.19.2026 | Cross Country
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville cross country program released its 2026 schedule on Wednesday (Aug. 19).
"I feel like this schedule will allow us not only to continue developing as a team, but also to preview our conference course early in the season," said Puett. "We will also have the chance to compete against some of the best programs in the Southeast region, and our goal is to use each meet to build confidence, gain valuable racing experience, and continue progressing throughout the season as we prepare for the Big South Conference and Southeast Regionals."
For the second year in a row, the Bulldogs will start their season in Bryson City, N.C., for the Duel in the Valley against Western Carolina on Sept. 4. Last year, the Bulldogs were victorious over the Catamounts on both the men's and women's side, aided by individual wins from Jan Málek and Aneta Kucerová. The team will then travel to Spartanburg, S.C., for the Southeast Regional Kick-Off on Sept. 19.
The Bulldogs will then travel to Boone, N.C., to compete in the Fire Tower Open on Oct. 2, hosted by App State. Asheville's final regular-season meet will be in Charlottesville, Va., competing in the UVA Panorama Farms on Oct. 16.
The Big South Conference Championships will be held on Oct. 30 in Spartanburg, S.C. The NCAA Southeast Regionals will be held in Spartanburg, S.C., on Nov. 13, with the NCAA National Championships being held in Terre Haute, IN, on Nov. 20.
"We have a good mix of experience and new talent on both of our squads, and I'm excited to see how that comes together. I believe this group has the potential to take a big step forward this season, and we're going to continue working hard and building toward our goal to be a top team in the Big South Conference," said Puett.
LAST SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
At the 2025 Big South Championships, the UNC Asheville women's team earned its highest finish since 2004 with a runner-up performance. The men placed third overall, and the combined team's finish marked the highest finish for the Bulldogs in 25 years, dating back to 2000.
Recent graduate Alison Graf led the women's side, earning a place on the All-Conference First team with her seventh-place finish. All-Conference Second team spots went to Isabel Richardson (ninth) and Aneta Kucerová (11th), marking the first time since 2003 that Asheville has had three women earn All-Conference honors. Jan Málek placed ninth to secure a spot on the All-Conference Second Team to lead the charge on the men's side.
During the regular season, Malek was named Big South Cross Country Runner of the Week after his win at the Duel in the Valley. Marika Dickel was named Big South Freshman of the Week following her performance at the Furman Invitational that helped lead the women's team to a third-place finish overall. Dickel was later announced Co-Freshman of the Week after scoring points as Asheville's fourth finisher at the Swags Louisville Cross Country Classic.
For a complete look at this year's schedule, click here.
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Regular Season
September 4th Duel in the Valley Bryson City, NCSeptember 19th Southeast Regional Kick-Off Spartanburg, SC
October 2nd Fire Tower Open Boone, NC
October 16th UVA Panorama Farms Charlottesville, VA
Championship Season
October 30th Big South Conference Championships Spartanburg, SCNovember 13th NCAA Southeast Regionals Spartanburg, SC
November 20th NCAA National Championships Terre Haute, IN
