CLINTON, Pa. — The West Liberty University men's and women's cross country teams return to action Saturday when the Hilltoppers compete at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational at the Youthtown XC Course.

The men will get the day started with an 8K race at 10 a.m., followed by the women's 5K at 10:45 a.m.

Saturday's field features a strong collection of NCAA Division II, Division III and NCAA Division I programs, giving both Hilltopper squads an opportunity to test themselves against a deep field as the championship portion of the season approaches.

West Liberty will compete alongside Ashland, California (Pa.), Carnegie Mellon, Chatham, Clarion, Davis & Elkins, Duquesne, Edinboro, Frostburg State, Geneva, Glenville State, Indiana (Pa.), Lake Erie, Northwood, Point Park, Roberts Wesleyan, Seton Hill, Slippery Rock, St. Francis (Ind.), Ursuline, Walsh, Washington & Jefferson, West Virginia, West Virginia Wesleyan, Westminster (Pa.) and Wheeling, along with Carnegie Mellon Alumni and Robert Morris UNA.

The Carnegie Mellon Invitational marks the third scheduled competition of the season for both Hilltopper squads. West Liberty opened the season at the Bethany Invitational on Sept. 12 before competing at the Winston-Salem State Rams Atlantic Region Preview on Sept. 25.

The men's team will cover 8 kilometers Saturday, while the women's team will race over 5 kilometers.

With the Mountain East Conference Championship scheduled for Nov. 7, Saturday's race provides another important opportunity for the Hilltoppers to measure their progress and build toward the postseason.

Following the Carnegie Mellon Invitational, both West Liberty teams will have one final regular-season meet on Oct. 24 at the Lock Haven Invitational before turning their attention to the MEC Championship.


West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.