The K-State men’s and women’s cross country teams will officially kick off their postseason journey on Friday, November 1, competing in the prestigious Big 12 Championship hosted at the scenic Cottonwood Golf Course in Waco, Texas.
The day will commence with the men’s 8k race scheduled to start at 10 a.m. CT, followed by the women’s 6k race at 11 a.m. Both events will be available for streaming on ESPN+, providing fans the opportunity to cheer on their teams from anywhere.
This Championship race marks a significant milestone as it will be the first to feature the newly expanded 16-team Big 12 Conference, which welcomes Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah to the fold for their inaugural season. The men’s field now expands to include 13 teams, although UCF, Utah, and West Virginia will not be competing.
Head coach Kate Bucknam expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge, stating, “I’m really excited to get our team down to Waco and competing in arguably the very best cross country conference in the country. This is not a play-around conference; we must be dialed in and compete with a championship mindset. If we are going to be a contender for a championship in the future, this team can help build the foundation by competing with a championship mindset this weekend.”
A noteworthy five teams from the Big 12 appeared in the latest USTFCCCA National poll released on October 22, with BYU’s women’s team and Oklahoma State’s men’s team securing the top positions in their respective categories.
The BYU men are also highly ranked, occupying the no. 2 spot, while the Oklahoma State Cowgirls stand strong at no. 18. Iowa State’s men are currently at no. 4, alongside West Virginia’s women who complete the top five rankings in both polls, demonstrating the strength of the conference. The women from Utah are positioned at no. 6, while the men’s teams from Colorado and Texas Tech are settled in the rankings at no. 24 and 30, respectively.
Coach Bucknam acknowledged the uncertainties ahead, but remained focused on her team’s development, saying, “It’s hard for me to predict our end result; I’m new to this league and this time. My goal has always been, however, to get these teams, this season, to compete with confidence and purpose. We are gonna fight for every position, both individually and as a team, as if the meet is ours to win.”
Considered a vital part of their preparation, the Wildcats enhanced their readiness by competing in the Bradley Pink Classic in Peoria, Illinois, on October 18 to round out their regular season.
Both senior Tommy Hazen and junior Grace Meyer showcased impressive performances resulting in personal bests. Hazen achieved a remarkable finish of 21st place with a time of 24:17.9, which now ranks him as no. 12 in the K-State all-time men’s 8k records. Similarly, Meyer clocked her first sub-21-minute 6k, finishing 17th with a personal best of 20:47.9, propelling her to no. 10 in the women’s records.
Coach Bucknam reflected on the positive trajectory of her teams, stating, “I like what I see with both these teams in that regard, and the time and effort improvements they made between our first couple races and the Bradley meet. I thought we took a big step forward in Illinois two weeks ago. We are capable of taking another big step and realizing our potential individually, and most importantly, as a team.”
A notable aspect of this championship includes the debuts of five freshmen, who will join their seasoned teammates. The exciting newcomers—Jackson Esquibel, Lucas Holdren, Gracie Jacobs, Christine Jerono, and Bree Newport—will add their energy to the competition.
Last season, the K-State women’s team made a commendable showing, finishing 5th with 185 points, tying for their best finish since 2021. Meanwhile, the men’s squad secured 9th place with 266 points, setting a foundation for this year’s aspirations.
— k-statesports.com —
How to follow the ‘Cats: For complete information on the K-State Track and Field and Cross Country Teams, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team’s social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
**Interview with K-State Cross Country Head Coach Kate Bucknam Ahead of Big 12 Championship**
**Interviewer:** Kate, thanks for joining us today. The K-State men’s and women’s cross country teams are gearing up for the Big 12 Championship. How are the athletes feeling as they prepare for this important event?
**Coach Bucknam:** Thank you for having me! The team is feeling energized and ready to take on this challenge. Competing in one of the most competitive cross country conferences in the country is a big deal, and the athletes are motivated to showcase their hard work.
**Interviewer:** This championship marks the first time the newly expanded 16-team Big 12 Conference will compete. How do you think the addition of new teams will influence the race dynamics?
**Coach Bucknam:** It definitely adds another layer of competition that we need to be prepared for. With new teams like Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah joining, the level of talent has increased. This means we need to maintain a championship mindset because every position matters now more than ever.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned the importance of having a championship mindset. What does that look like for your team this weekend?
**Coach Bucknam:** A championship mindset is all about focus, determination, and fighting for every point. We’ve been encouraging our athletes to believe in themselves and to approach the meet as if it’s ours for the taking. It’s about competing with confidence and purpose, irrespective of the final results.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned competing at the Bradley Pink Classic recently. How did that experience prepare your team for the upcoming championship?
**Coach Bucknam:** That race was crucial for our development. Both Tommy Hazen and Grace Meyer posted personal bests, which not only bolstered their confidence but also showcased the potential we have as a team. Competing against solid fields prepares us mentally and helps us fine-tune our race strategies.
**Interviewer:** As you head into this competitive environment, what’s your biggest goal for the team this season?
**Coach Bucknam:** While it’s hard to predict the exact outcome, my primary goal is to see the team compete with confidence and purpose. I want them to embrace the challenge and focus on improving each week, laying down a foundation that will benefit us in the future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kate. Best of luck to the K-State Wildcats in Waco!
**Coach Bucknam:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and are excited to represent K-State.
