Big Sky Cross Country Championship on Tap, Set for Friday in Pocatello

Pocatello, ID - "Point blank, the only thing we are looking at is placement. Where our teams finish is everything."

There is no finer quote to sum up the competitive mindset of Idaho State Cross Country and coach Zach Kughn as the men's and women's teams prepare for the Big Sky Championships on Friday, Nov. 1.

Nearly all season long, the Bengals have had to endure long road trips, altitude changes, and various weather conditions to compete among the best in all of NCAA Cross Country. This time, however,  the roles are reversed. Idaho State is set to host the Big Sky meet this year, and nine other teams will have to travel to Pocatello and compete on the Bengals' turf. 

The meet is set to take place at the Riverside Golf Course, the same venue that hosted the previous home race on Sep. 20. All ten Big Sky teams are slated to attend, bringing a loaded competition to Pocatello. Coach Kughn detailed the mindset going into Friday, and emphasized the growth within his program since he arrived on campus earlier this year. 

"Obviously there are nerves but since we've been focused on something for so long, I'm really just anxious for it to get here rather than nervous about how we'll do," stated the first-year coach. "Our training has gone well and I'm confident we are in a good spot to reach our goals."

As a Montana State XC alum, Kughn is no stranger to the preparation required to succeed in the Big Sky Conference, a loaded group that churns out more victories over Power 4 schools across all sports than any other NCAA conference in the United States. Since his arrival earlier this summer, he has implemented this mentality into the training program for his runners, and is already seeing the fruits of this labor.

"I think the biggest change our teams have made since I got here is being focused on clear and concise goals. I've really demanded that we step things up when it comes to our mental approach. We are going to be competing with purpose on Friday."

Kughn was quick to point out runners who have made tremendous strides. Alivia Johnson has experienced a breakout sophomore campaign this fall, and Cassandra Vasquez, Olivia Kendell, Sulette Ferreyra Serna, and Allison Lemons highlight athletes from the women's team who have put in the work for a big day at the Riverside Golf Course.
Sunny Gunn, Seth Babbel, Brandon Walker, and Cade Smith have been leaders all season long, and will be front-running a men's squad that had their best performance of the year two weeks ago in Lewiston.

Of these groups, Johnson, Kendell, Lemons, Gunn, and Babbel are all set to return next year, and will surely continue the upward trajectory of Bengal Cross Country.

Idaho State Men's Team - Big Sky Championships
Seth Babbel
Jacob DeTemple
Sunny Gunn
Jared Harden
Gavin Pollock
Zac Pollock
Cade Smith
Brandon Walker

Idaho State Women's Team - Big Sky Championships
Raegan Borg
Saylor Erickson
Sulette Ferreyra Serna
Alivia Johnson
Gabby Johnson
Olivia Kendell
Allison Lemons
Cassandra Vasquez

In preparation for the meet, ISU announced the launch of the Big Sky Championship Central homepage. Located on isubengals.com, the page is the central hub for everything to know about the championship, including live results, broadcast links, spectator information, and much more. Fans of all Big Sky teams are encouraged to check out the page to stay up to date on the meet.

Idaho State has also secured the second-ever ESPN+ broadcast of the Big Sky XC Championships. Thanks to the efforts of the ISU Sports Video Crew and the university's College of Media and Persuasion, the meet will be available to watch nationwide. 

However, Bengal fans and the Pocatello community are encouraged to come to the Riverside Golf Course in person to cheer on their orange and black runners. Quick facts about the meet can be found below, and fans are welcome to check out the Championship Central homepage for more detailed information.

THINGS TO KNOW - BIG SKY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
DATE: Friday, Nov. 1, 2024
VENUE: Riverside Golf Course - 3500 Bannock Hwy, Pocatello, ID 83204
RACE TIMES: Mens 8K - 11:00 AM MST // Women's 5K - 12:00 PM MST
SPECTATOR INFO: Admission into venue is free of charge. Concessions and merchandise will be available for purchase on-site. Parking maps are available on the Championship Central Homepage.

LINKS - Championship Central Homepage // Live Results Tracker // ESPN+ Broadcast