PROVO, Utah – The No. 2-ranked BYU Cougars are poised to compete in the NCAA National Championships on Saturday morning at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Missouri. The team enters this decisive meet with an impressive record, boasting four victories and a second-place finish throughout the 2025 season. A highlight of their season has been winning their third consecutive Big 12 Conference title, demonstrating their dominance in the league.
Under the guidance of Associate Director of Track and Field, Diljeet Taylor, the Cougars will be eager to build on their recent success. They return to the course after a remarkable performance at the Missouri Pre-Nationals last month, where they secured victory with just 25 points, comfortably ahead of the second-place team by a staggering 145 points. Notably, freshman Jane Hedengren set a new course record at Gans Creek, completing the 6,000-meter grass course in an impressive 18:42.30, which was over 23 seconds faster than the runner-up.
This year’s championship will witness the Cougars striving for their seventh national title, leveraging their extensive experience on the Gans Creek course, which remains unchanged from previous races. Taylor has successfully led BYU to its tenth consecutive appearance at the National Championship, along with two national titles (2020-21 and 2024) and an individual championship by Whittni Orton. The team’s commitment and resilience prepare them well for the challenges ahead.
The highly anticipated race is set to take place on Saturday, November 22, at 8:20 a.m. MST, as the Cougars aim to continue their storied legacy in collegiate cross country. With a strong track record and motivated athletes, BYU is ready to make a significant impact on the national stage.