RESULTS

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Vandal women secured a team bronze at the 2026 Big Sky Cross Country Championships with a handful of best times, while the men had some impressive individual efforts.

WHAT HAPPENED
With a major standout performance today, the women placed third overall in Arizona. Securing the medal with a tie-breaker win against Weber State, this is Idaho's first top-three finish since 2022.

Coach Tracy Hellman says, "This was a goal we had set, and we knew it would be difficult with the level of competition in the Big Sky Conference. The way our women accomplished this goal was very fitting as we did it as a team."

Two athletes, Constanze Paoli and Alex Terry, received All-Big Sky honors after finishing the meet in top 10 spots. Paoli, with a major new PR, stayed at the front of the pack throughout the whole race to finish fifth in the end. At 16:09.8, this slides her into the 23rd spot nationally for 2026 DI women's 5K times (Athletic.net).

Also earning some deserved attention, Terry clinched her honors with a tenth place finish. Staying calm and consistent, she attained a new personal best of 16:32.6, beating her previous season best by over a minute and a half.
 
"The race played out well, working with Jesse to get in a good position and then trying to leave it all out there in the finishing loop. I'm so proud of the team today," Terry says.

Adding to the day's personal records in Arizona, junior Jesse Redding finished not far behind. In 15th place, she also earned a sub-17 5K time of 16:56.3. Mary Nakamura and Malia Chipouras rounded out Idaho's first five to cross the finish line, each personally excelling in this race. Concluding the women's notables, freshman duo, Micah Redding and Kadance Holso, had their best collegiate races today.

Switching to the 8K, the men claimed seventh as a team with Zac Knapp being the first Vandal to finish. 

Coach Hellman says, "Our men had an okay race. We were a little thin with injuries and sickness, but I was proud of our effort and we are continuing to build for the future. I thought Zac Knapp had an outstanding race and his experience showed as he's been at the championships before."

Apart from Knapp's consistent race and overall season, Conor Thompson had a highlight-worthy performance today as well. He was the third Vandal to finish the course and the only member on the men's squad to gain a PR.
 
"Overall a great finish for the Vandals today in Flagstaff. It was very challenging racing at 7000 feet, but our kids did really good and I'm proud of our result," Hellman concludes.

UP NEXT
The Vandals will continue postseason in Sacramento, California for the 2026 NCAA West Regionals.

FOLLOW THE VANDALS 
To stay up to date with Idaho Cross Country and Track and Field, follow the team on Instagram (IdahoTrack), X (IdahoTFXC), and visit govandals.com.