Stevenson University Mustangs to Host MAC Cross Country Championships for Second Time in 2026
The Stevenson University Mustangs men’s and women’s cross country teams have announced their full 2026 competition schedules, highlighted by the return of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Cross Country Championships to their Greenspring Campus in Owings Mills, Maryland. This marks the second time the Mustangs will host this prestigious conference championship meet.
2026 Cross Country Schedule and Key Events
In addition to the MAC Championships, Stevenson will host the annual MAC Championships Preview Meet on September 18, providing the Mustangs and visiting teams an opportunity to compete on their home course early in the season. Both teams will participate in a balanced season that includes conference and non-conference competitions aimed at postseason success.
The full 2026 schedule includes:
- Sept. 4 – Delaware XC Opener
- Sept. 11 – Shenandoah Twilight Meet
- Sept. 18 – MAC Championships Preview Meet at Greenspring Campus, Owings Mills, MD
- Oct. 3 – Cairn Highlander Invitational
- Oct. 10 – Jack St. Clair Invite
- Oct. 31 – Middle Atlantic Conference Championships at Greenspring Campus
- Nov. 14 – NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships
- Nov. 21 – NCAA Division III National Championships
These dates represent the official schedule as confirmed by Stevenson University and the MAC. The home-course advantage at Greenspring promises a challenging and engaging setting for both the Mustangs and their competitors.
About Stevenson University Cross Country Program
Stevenson’s cross country teams continue building under the leadership of head coaches Patrick Holmes (women) and Dave Ferenz (men). The program is a consistent contender within the MAC and regularly qualifies athletes for postseason competition.
Hosting the MAC Championships again reflects confidence in the program and facilities. The Greenspring Campus course features rolling terrain and a competitive layout that tests athletes’ endurance and strategy.
Significance of Hosting the MAC Championships
Hosting the MAC Cross Country Championships is a prestigious honor for Stevenson. It offers significant benefits including home-course advantage, enhanced recruiting visibility, and strong community engagement. The Mustangs last hosted the event in 2018 and managed it successfully, contributing to the opportunity to host again in 2026.
Maryland Context and Regional Competition
The Mustangs represent a strong NCAA Division III program within Maryland, regularly competing against schools like Johns Hopkins University, Salisbury University, and the United States Naval Academy. Their hosting of the MAC Championships underscores the program’s prominence in the regional and national Division III running community.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Stevenson University’s announcement of the 2026 cross country schedule, including hosting the MAC Championships for the second time, signals continued program growth and competitive promise. With experienced coaching and challenging home courses, the Mustangs are positioned to contend for conference titles and achieve NCAA postseason success.
Fans can follow the Mustangs through the official Stevenson Athletics website, Maryland Sports Blog’s coverage at Maryland Sports Blog Stevenson Mustangs, and the official MAC Sports site.
Source: Original report
