2026 Cross Country Season Preview
9/2/2026 1:25:00 PM | Cross Country
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel men's and women's cross country teams are set to begin the 2026 season on Sept. 4 at the Buccaneer Open, hosted by Charleston Southern.
The Bulldogs return several experienced runners from last season, led by junior Carson Diggs on the men's side and junior Abigail Thiessen on the women's side. Diggs was The Citadel's top finisher at the 2025 Southern Conference Championships.
The men's roster includes returners Wyatt Carey and Holden Tutich, along with four newcomers, while the women's team brings back Brylee Deering, Caroline Plummer, and Emily Brant, along with three newcomers.
The Citadel will compete in five regular-season meets before postseason competition begins at the SoCon Championships on Oct. 31 in Tryon, North Carolina.
Head coach Kris Kut is excited to see how his young squad responds in its first competition of the season.
"We are extremely excited about this young team and believe the Buccaneer Invitational is a great opportunity to see where we are, establish a baseline and identify the work we need to do to prepare for the championships in October," Kut said.
"Coach Knight has been putting in a lot of work with the team in the short time they have been back from summer furlough, and we know they will give their best effort Friday. It's a flat course, and it's going to be hot, but it will be a great opportunity for us to compete, learn and continue to improve.
"We will keep grinding, keep moving forward and continue to overcome the challenges we face. We are excited to kick off the 2026 campaign and see what this young team can accomplish."
The Bulldogs return several experienced runners from last season, led by junior Carson Diggs on the men's side and junior Abigail Thiessen on the women's side. Diggs was The Citadel's top finisher at the 2025 Southern Conference Championships.
The men's roster includes returners Wyatt Carey and Holden Tutich, along with four newcomers, while the women's team brings back Brylee Deering, Caroline Plummer, and Emily Brant, along with three newcomers.
The Citadel will compete in five regular-season meets before postseason competition begins at the SoCon Championships on Oct. 31 in Tryon, North Carolina.
Head coach Kris Kut is excited to see how his young squad responds in its first competition of the season.
"We are extremely excited about this young team and believe the Buccaneer Invitational is a great opportunity to see where we are, establish a baseline and identify the work we need to do to prepare for the championships in October," Kut said.
"Coach Knight has been putting in a lot of work with the team in the short time they have been back from summer furlough, and we know they will give their best effort Friday. It's a flat course, and it's going to be hot, but it will be a great opportunity for us to compete, learn and continue to improve.
"We will keep grinding, keep moving forward and continue to overcome the challenges we face. We are excited to kick off the 2026 campaign and see what this young team can accomplish."
Players Mentioned
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
/ Cross Country
Tuesday, September 24
Saturday, October 06
Wednesday, September 20
