TOLEDO, Ohio – After winning its first Mid-American Conference title in seven years in 2021, the women's cross country team will look to defend its crown this year at the Ohio University Golf Course in Athens, Ohio this Saturday. The men's team is determined to capture the program's first conference title after a runner-up finish last season. The women's 6K will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the men's 8K will follow at noon.

Toledo, ranked No. 16 in the country and No.3 in the Great Lakes Region, is the MAC's only nationally ranked program and highest regional program competing at Saturday's meet. The Rockets returns six of its nine top scorers from 2021, including Freshman of the Year and first-team All-MAC honoree Joy Chirchir. Seniors Faith Linga and Lou Trois also received first-team All MAC honors in 2021 for their top-10 finishes.

Seniors Emily Vining and Madeline Vining, and junior Julia Dames are also expected to play a big role in helping Toledo's attempt to claim its eighth title in school history. Reigning Coach of the Year Andrea Grove-McDonough has added strength to her roster with the addition of freshmen McKinley Fielding, Bailey Ranta and Marina Gross, all of whom earned a spot in this season's lineup.

Toledo's men's team, led by Asssitant Head Coach Nick Stenuf, is ranked ninth in the Great Lakes Region. The Rockets totaled 67 points at the 2021 MAC Championships for a runner-up finish, their highest finish in program history. Toledo returns four of its eight scorers from last year, including second-team All-MAC honorees Benjamin Otis (eighth in 2021) and Mathew Chesum (10th in 2021). Senior Jake Rethman, and juniors Ben Towler and Geoff Howles will get another start at this year's conference meet, as well as Toledo's top-runner this season, sophomore transfer Dennis Mutai.

2022 MAC Cross Country Championships
Athens, Ohio | Ohio University Golf Course
Saturday, Oct. 29
Women - 11 AM
Men - Noon
ESPN+ and LiveStats