GAINESVILLE, Ga.- The Fort Valley State University Men's and Women's Cross Country teams kicked off the 2025 season at the 13^th Annual University of North Georgia Invitational, Friday, taking on a competitive field and testing themselves against tough regional opponents.

The Wildcats showed resilience on a challenging course, with Julian Stafford pacing the men's squad, finishing in 35:42.1, and Dwayne McKinney in his debut as a Wildcat running a 37:36. As a squad, the men finished in 12^th place.

Naliyah Mallory led the women's side with a time of 22:35.5. With Katelynn Hodges running a 27:38.1. As a team, the women finished in 16^th place.

The Wildcat cross country teams will return to action on Friday, Sept. 19th when they travel to Albany State University for the Willie Laster Invitational.