Panthers Set to Hit the Ground Running in 2026 Cross Country Season
Terica Peay
Orangeburg, S.C. — A new season brings a new opportunity to compete, improve, and make a statement. Under the leadership of Head Coach Malcolm Watts, the Claflin University men's and women's cross-country teams will begin the 2026 season with four interstate meets before focusing on the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Cross-Country Championship.
The Panthers will kick off their season on Saturday, September 19, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, at the Converse Kickoff, hosted by Converse University. This opening meet will give both the men's and women's teams their first chance to compete against outside opponents and establish an early-season rhythm.
Just a week later, Claflin will stay in South Carolina, traveling to Rock Hill on Friday, September 25, for the Winthrop Invitational, hosted by Winthrop University. The Panthers will aim to build on their initial performance as the season progresses.
After a brief hiatus from competition, Claflin will return to the course on Saturday, October 10, competing in Bluffton, South Carolina, at the Sand Shark Invitational, hosted by the University of South Carolina Beaufort. This meet will serve as another crucial test as the teams prepare for the championship part of the season.
The Panthers will conclude their regular season on Saturday, October 17, by returning to Spartanburg for the Upstate Invitational, hosted by USC Upstate. This final regular-season meet will provide both squads with one last chance to fine-tune their performances before heading into championship competition.
Following these four interstate meets, Coach Watts and the Panthers will shift their focus to the CIAA Cross-Country Championship, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at Green Hill Park in Salem, Virginia.
With a schedule that offers multiple opportunities for competition across the Carolinas and a championship destination in Virginia, the 2026 season will challenge the Panthers to stay consistent, disciplined, and focused from the beginning of the season through to the final race.
2026 Schedule
September 19 | Converse Kickoff | Converse University | Spartanburg, S.C.
September 25 | Winthrop Invitational | Winthrop University | Rock Hill, S.C.
October 10 | Sand Shark Invitational | USC Beaufort | Bluffton, S.C.
October 17 | Upstate Invitational | USC Upstate | Spartanburg, S.C.
October 22 | CIAA Cross-Country Championships | Salem, Va.
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About Claflin University Athletics
Claflin University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution that sponsors 13 intercollegiate sports. The university's athletic program includes volleyball; women's flag football; men's and women's cross country; men's and women's basketball; softball; men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field; and baseball. Claflin's teams compete primarily in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), while the baseball program competes in the Peach Belt Conference.
