Columbia, SC, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina has released its cross country schedule, featuring seven competitive meets set to kick off in August. The Gamecocks aim to build on their previous season’s success, culminating in notable events like the SEC Championship and NCAA Championship. In addition, a new assistant coach has been appointed to strengthen the team. Local athletes have also been recognized for their achievements, contributing to the thriving cross country community.
Columbia, SC – The University of South Carolina has officially released its 2025 Cross Country schedule, featuring a total of seven competitive meets, beginning on August 29, 2025, and culminating in November. The announcement was made on August 7, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the Gamecocks as they aim to continue their momentum from the previous season.
The season will kick-off with the Covered Bridge Open in Boone, North Carolina, set for August 29, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. Following this, the Gamecocks will compete in the Adidas XC Challenge, hosted by N.C. State in Raleigh, North Carolina, on September 19, 2025. The season’s itinerary also includes the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invite in South Bend, Indiana, on October 3, 2025, where competitors will begin racing at 10:30 a.m.
The regular season is scheduled to conclude at the Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on October 17, 2025, where South Carolina will make its second consecutive appearance and third in four years. The upcoming season targets improved results, with the SEC Cross Country Championship to be held on October 31, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. South Carolina is looking to earn its second Top 10 finish in three years during this prestigious conference championship.
Moving into November, the Gamecocks will participate in the NCAA Southeast Regional in Charlottesville, Virginia on November 14, 2025. The high-stakes season finale will be the NCAA Championship in Columbia, Missouri, scheduled for November 22, 2025, where the team hopes to compete strongly and possibly secure a high national ranking.
In conjunction with the schedule announcement, the Gamecocks also revealed a significant coaching addition. Chapin Stewart has been hired as an assistant coach for the cross country team. Stewart previously contributed as a volunteer assistant coach at Florida Track & Field and Cross Country, specializing in middle-distance and distance training. His coaching experience includes leading Saint Thomas More High School to victory in the 2023 LHSAA Division II Girls Cross Country State Championship, earning him recognition as the 2023 Milesplit Louisiana Cross Country Assistant Coach of the Year. Stewart, a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, brings both competitive and academic credentials to the Gamecocks, having been named to the 2022 USTFCCCA All-Academic Team.
As part of the local cross country community, Ty Jones from Riverside High School and Ava Lindsey from the Greenville Hurricanes Homeschool Association have received prominent accolades. Jones has been recognized as the 2024-25 Gatorade South Carolina Boys Cross Country Player of the Year, and Lindsey has claimed the honor of Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Each athlete will receive a banner, a trophy, and a $1,000 grant for a local organization that supports youth sports initiatives. Jones is set to continue his athletic career at Furman University in Fall 2025, while Lindsey has recorded impressive performances, including running sub-17:30 in South Carolina competitions.
Key Details of the South Carolina 2025 Cross Country Season
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Covered Bridge Open | August 29, 2025 | Boone, NC |
| Adidas XC Challenge | September 19, 2025 | Raleigh, NC |
| Joe Piane Notre Dame Invite | October 3, 2025 | South Bend, IN |
| Crimson Classic | October 17, 2025 | Tuscaloosa, AL |
| SEC Cross Country Championship | October 31, 2025 | Knoxville, TN |
| NCAA Southeast Regional | November 14, 2025 | Charlottesville, VA |
| NCAA Championship | November 22, 2025 | Columbia, MO |
FAQ Section
What is the opening meet of the South Carolina 2025 Cross Country season?
The opening meet is the Covered Bridge Open, taking place on August 29, 2025, in Boone, NC.
How many meets are included in the schedule?
The South Carolina 2025 Cross Country schedule includes a total of seven meets.
When and where does the SEC Cross Country Championship occur?
The SEC Cross Country Championship is scheduled for October 31, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Who is the newly hired assistant coach for the Gamecocks?
The new assistant coach is Chapin Stewart, who has a background in middle distance and distance training.
Who were recognized as the 2024-25 Gatorade South Carolina Cross Country Players of the Year?
Ty Jones and Ava Lindsey were honored as the Boys and Girls Cross Country Players of the Year, respectively.
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Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Online: 2025 Cross Country Schedule
- Wikipedia: Cross Country Running
- Upstate Spartans: 2025 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Schedule
- Google Search: Cross Country Running
- The State: South Carolina High School Cross Country
- Google Scholar: Cross Country Running South Carolina
- WYFF4: South Carolina Student Bikes Cross Country
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cross Country
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