KWU Cross Country Teams Head To Doane Blazing Tiger Invitational

KWU Cross Country Teams Head To Doane Blazing Tiger Invitational 

The Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes Cross Country teams are set to compete at the Doane Blazing Tiger Invitational this Saturday, October 25th; an event that promises strong competition and valuable midseason experience. Both the women’s and men’s teams are looking to build on their recent performances, testing their endurance and teamwork against a talented field of over 300 runners. The invitational, hosted by Doane University (Nebraska), will serve as an important tune-up as the Coyotes continue preparing for postseason meets. With continued improvement and determination, Kansas Wesleyan looks to make a strong statement on the course and carry that momentum into the remainder of the season. 

Blazing Tiger Invitational 

Set for October 25th at Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Nebraska, the Blazing Tiger Invitational will bring together some of the strongest NAIA cross-country teams in the region. The men’s race will cover 8 km distance while the women will run 6 km, both taking place over the park’s rolling terrain and likely challenging autumn conditions. The field is deep, featuring multiple nationally-ranked teams and individuals aiming to fine-tune their pack strategy and depth ahead of the conference and national championship races. For programs chasing postseason momentum, this race provides a key measuring stick, a chance to see how they stack up under pressure and how well their front-runners and supporting scorers perform. Expect fast times, strategic team racing, and plenty of personal-best efforts as teams use this meet to fine tune for the season’s climax.  

Women’s Cross Country

The Kansas Wesleyan University Women’s Cross Country team has demonstrated significant progress in the 2025 season, highlighted by several notable performances and achievements.

• First Team Victory Since 2013: The Coyotes secured their first team win since 2013 at the Muthama-Rogers Invitational on September 13, 2025. They finished with 38 points, narrowly defeating Fort Hays State. 
• Strong Performance at Seminole Stampede: On October 4, 2025, KWU placed second at the Seminole Stampede in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The team finished with 70 points, just seven behind Aquinas, ranked No. 15 nationally.
• Top 20 National Ranking: As of October 16, Kansas Wesleyan’s Women’s Cross Country was ranked #15 in the NAIA Women’s Cross Country Coaches’ Poll. 
• Looking Ahead: The Coyotes are set to compete at the following races: 

• October 25, 2025: Doane Blazing Tiger Invitational in Ashland, Nebraska
• November 8, 2025: KCAC Cross Country Championships in Leavenworth, Kansas
• November 21, 2025: NAIA Women’s Cross Country National Championships in Tallahassee, Florida

Men’s Cross Country

The Kansas Wesleyan Men’s Cross Country team has shown significant promise in the 2025 season, building upon a strong foundation from the previous year. Ranked No. 23 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the Coyotes aim to improve upon their 22nd-place finish at the 2024 NAIA National Championships. 

• Strong Performances throughout the season: The Coyotes began their season at the JK Gold Classic on September 6, 2025, where they secured a 5th-place finish out of 19 teams. On September 13, 2025, KWU placed 3rd out of 16 teams at the Muthama-Rogers Invitational. The team continued its strong performances with a 3rd-place finish out of 23 teams at the Seminole Stampede in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 4, 2025. 
•  National Rankings: As of October 16, Kansas Wesleyan’s Men’s Cross Country was receiving votes in the NAIA Men’s Cross Country Poll 
• Looking Ahead: The Coyotes are set to compete at the following races: 

• October 25, 2025: Doane Blazing Tiger Invitational in Ashland, Nebraska
• November 8, 2025: KCAC Cross Country Championships in Leavenworth, Kansas
• November 21, 2025: NAIA Men’s Cross Country National Championships in Tallahassee, Florida

What’s up next for the Coyotes

The Coyotes Cross Country Teams are gearing up for an exciting final stretch of their 2025 season. Both the women’s and men’s squads will compete at the Doane Blazing Tiger Invitational in Ashland, Nebraska, followed by the KCAC Cross Country Championships in Leavenworth, Kansas. Their season will conclude at the NAIA National Championships at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida.

To follow along with the Coyotes as they gear up for the final stretch of their seasons, you can check them out at https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-cross-country and https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-cross-country. 

Quotes

• “This cross season has been exciting, and our (girls) team has accomplished many achievements. One of my favorite memories was winning the Muthama-Rogers Invitational in Newton.”
• “I’m looking forward to the next few races with my team, and I am excited to see how we compete.”
• “Everyone has worked hard this season, and I am really looking forward to see how we go out and compete at the Conference Championships.”