Huntsville, Alabama, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The Kennesaw State University men’s and women’s cross country teams are gearing up for their first road competition of the season at the Southern Showcase. Scheduled for September 12, the event will see both teams battling against ranked competitors at John Hunt Park in Huntsville. Following strong performances at a recent meet, the KSU Owls aspire to maintain their momentum as they head towards future championships.
Huntsville, Alabama – The Kennesaw State University (KSU) men’s and women’s cross country teams are set to compete at the Southern Showcase on September 12, 2025. This meet marks the first road competition of the 2025 season for both teams, as they make their debut at the John Hunt Park Cross Country Course.
The men’s 8K race is scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women’s 5K race at 9:30 a.m. ET. The venue, John Hunt Park, holds significance beyond this event, as it will also serve as the host for the 2025 Conference USA Cross Country Championships and the 2025 NCAA South Regional in November.
Both races at the Southern Showcase promise tough competition. The men’s race will feature nine ranked teams, among them are:
- No. 1 Alabama
- No. 5 Lipscomb
- No. 6 Middle Tennessee State
- No. 8 Florida State
- No. 10 Georgia Tech
- No. 15 North Alabama
The women’s race will include standout teams as well, with No. 9 Alabama and eight other ranked teams:
- No. 3 Lipscomb
- No. 4 Florida State
- No. 7 Georgia Tech
- No. 8 Auburn
- No. 10 Mississippi State
- No. 12 Middle Tennessee State
- No. 14 Belmont
In their previous outing at the Stan Sims XC Opener on August 29, 2025, the KSU men’s team achieved a remarkable 1-2-3 finish, marking a strong start to the season. Collins Kipkemboi led the way, completing the 4-mile course in 18:29.9 and earning the title of Conference USA Male Athlete of the Week—a first for KSU. Edwin Kiprono followed closely with a time of 18:49.8, and Brian Limo rounded out the top three at 19:13.4.
The KSU women’s team also had notable performances at the Stan Sims Opener, with Madison Seiler finishing third in the 5K at 17:26.0, Emma Ferguson sixth at 17:54.5, and Akshana securing ninth place with 18:05.8. Both KSU teams collectively finished second overall at the meet.
A total of ten women and eight men are set to compete for KSU at the Southern Showcase, which is the only scheduled meet for KSU in September 2025. Following this event, the teams will turn their focus to the Louisville Cross Country Classic, where they will compete on October 4, 2025.
Background on KSU Cross Country
The Kennesaw State Owls have been a competitive team within the NCAA Division I landscape. The 2025 season continues to highlight their potential, as evidenced by the performances seen during their opening meet. The Southern Showcase will serve as both a test and an opportunity for continued momentum as they approach the Conference USA and NCAA championship events later in the season.
Key Features of the Southern Showcase
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 12, 2025 |
| Location | John Hunt Park Cross Country Course, Huntsville, Alabama |
| Men’s Race | 8K, 8:30 a.m. ET |
| Women’s Race | 5K, 9:30 a.m. ET |
| Top Competitors in Men’s Race | Nine ranked teams including Alabama, Lipscomb, and Georgia Tech |
| Top Competitors in Women’s Race | Nine ranked teams including Alabama, Lipscomb, and Florida State |
| Next Event | Louisville Cross Country Classic, October 4, 2025 |
FAQ
What is the Southern Showcase?
The Southern Showcase is a cross-country meet taking place on September 12, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring both men’s and women’s races.
When does the competition start?
The men’s 8K race starts at 8:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women’s 5K race at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Where is the Southern Showcase held?
The competition will take place at the John Hunt Park Cross Country Course.
What was KSU’s performance at their last meet?
The KSU men’s team achieved a first, second, and third place finish at the Stan Sims XC Opener, while the women’s team finished second overall.
What are KSU’s upcoming competitions?
KSU’s next scheduled meet after the Southern Showcase is the Louisville Cross Country Classic, which will take place on October 4, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kennesaw State University Cross Country Teams Shine in Opener
Additional Resources
- KSU Owls: Southern Showcase Preview
- KSU Owls: Stan Sims XC Opener Recap
- Roar Lions: Southern Showcase Performance
- Wikipedia: Cross Country Running
- Google Search: Southern Showcase Cross Country
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
