CLAREMORE, Okla. — The Southwestern Christian University men's cross country team opened its 2026 season Thursday evening at the Rogers State Distance After Dark, competing in the men's four-mile college race on Sept. 3.

The Eagles finished 13th as a team with 376 points in a field that featured 14 collegiate programs. SCU placed ahead of Neosho County Community College, which finished 14th with 421 points.

Raiden Simmons led the Eagles in the season opener, crossing the finish line in 22:38.6. Kayden Chaparro followed with a time of 23:06.2, while Jean-Luc Gilbert finished in 23:14.9.

Thomas Yahola was the fourth SCU runner across the line, recording a time of 23:31.7, followed by Angelo Jenkins, who finished in 24:13.0. Those five runners made up the Eagles' scoring group for the team competition.

SCU's remaining runners included Hector Ochoa-Whitebird with a time of 25:00.6, Tristan Smith at 25:20.3, Izea Anderson at 26:02.1, Joseph Thompson at 26:08.4, Bryan Doshier at 26:13.6, Grant Heckart at 26:36.5 and Jacob Gorton at 26:46.0.

Oklahoma Baptist claimed the team championship with 45 points, followed by Pittsburg State with 78 points and Oklahoma Christian with 92. Rogers State finished fourth with 102 points, while Mid-America Christian placed sixth with 189 points.

The Rogers State Distance After Dark provided the Eagles with their first competition of the 2026 season as they begin their pursuit of a strong finish to the cross country campaign.

With the season opener now in the books, SCU will look to build on its first performance as the Eagles continue through their 2026 schedule.