MARION, Ind. – Midway men's and women's cross country opened the 2026 season on Friday night against a loaded field at the IWU Twilight Invitational, highlighted by a runner-up finish from
Carson Milner.
The season-opening meet featured some of the top programs in the NAIA, with six nationally ranked teams competing on the men's side and seven ranked teams in the women's race.
MEN'S RACE
The Eagles finished 11th as a team, while Milner picked up right where he left off following a strong 2025 campaign.
The senior turned in an impressive season debut, finishing second overall with a time of 18:33.71. Milner was just 1.41 seconds behind individual champion Collin De Julio, who crossed the finish line in 18:32.30.
Milner's performance came against a field that featured several of the nation's best programs. No. 1 Cumberlands, No. 2 Indiana Wesleyan, No. 8 Marian, No. 11 Taylor, No. 18 Rio Grande and No. 22 Cornerstone were all scheduled to compete, along with IU East, which was receiving votes in the national poll.
Cumberlands claimed the men's team championship.
WOMEN'S RACE
On the women's side, Midway finished 14th in another field loaded with nationally ranked competition.
Lexus Ralph led the way for the Eagles, crossing the finish line in 66th place with a time of 20:49.30.
Ariah Egleston wasn't far behind her teammate, finishing 74th overall after clocking a time of 21:00.20.
Huntington's Abbey Gentz captured the individual title with a winning time of 18:25.70, while host Indiana Wesleyan claimed the team championship.
The women's field featured No. 1 Taylor, No. 5 Cornerstone, No. 6 Marian, No. 9 Indiana Wesleyan, No. 11 Cumberlands, No. 15 Grace and No. 24 Rio Grande.
UP NEXT
Midway returns to action on Sept. 18 when the Eagles host the Midway Invitational in Versailles, Kentucky.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and its 29 athletics teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
