Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina men's and women's cross country squads open the 2026 season on Friday afternoon, making the short trip to Bryson City, N.C., for the Duel in the Valley against mountain rival, UNC Asheville.The Catamounts and Bulldogs will compete on the Kituwah Mound trail, with the women's 3K beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's 6K at 6 p.m.
It's the second-consecutive season that WCU and Asheville meet to open the year with the "The Duel in the Valley." The Bulldogs claimed both team victories in last year's meeting, with the Catamount men falling 23-32 and the women dropping a 19-38 decision.

Friday's Meet:

Duel in the Valley | 3831 Ela Road, Bryson City, N.C.

Teams (2): Western Carolina vs. UNC Asheville

Women's 3K: 5:30 p.m.

Men's 6K: 6 p.m.

The Catamount women's team enters 2026 coming off its best Southern Conference Championship finish since 2003, placing fourth with 123 points. WCU was led by returning runners Katherine Hopkins and Peyton Skoglund, who finished 15th and 16th, respectively, with Hopkins crossing in 18:16.8 and Skoglund posting a personal-record time of 18:26.8.Braelyn Shae-Wahy also returns after placing 23rd in 18:42.2 at the championships. Additionally, Grace Lane returns after finishing 44th. After the fourth-place finish last season, the Catamount women were picked to finish fifth in the 2026 SoCon preseason coaches' poll, released this week.

The Catamount men look to build on a young group that gained valuable championship experience last season. Matthias Peterson led the Catamounts in 17th-place, clocking a time of 25:43.6 at the conference championship. He was joined on the SoCon All-Freshman Team by Jaleb Saunders, who finished 33rd in 26:20.5, and Eli Clonch, who placed 35th in 26:28.6. Matthew Womack also returns after placing 34th in 26:24.2, while Chase Thurber returns after a 43rd-place finish.

The Catamounts add several newcomers for the 2026 season, including Kadin Nance and Nick Morizio. Additionally, Jason Wade, who joined the track team last year. The combination of returning experience and new additions will look to help Western Carolina open the season strong against UNC Asheville.

Following Friday's meet, the Catamounts break for a week until traveling to Huntsville, Ala., to compete in the Southern Showcase on Sept. 18.

Keep track of everything related to Catamount cross country and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/catamountsports) and Twitter (@catamounts, @catamountxctf).