Cottey College Cross Country is gearing up for their 2024 season, which kicks off next week at the Bearcat Classic, hosted by Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. The Comets bring back a strong core of runners, including returning National Qualifier Madalenn Fee. Another Comet with accolades back for Cottey is the previous season's American Midwest Conference Freshman of the Year Avery Morris. The squad also boasts two seniors in Mikaela Fabey and Taylor Rechenmacher, who are sure to provide strong veteran leadership. 

The Comets have added a couple new faces this year, with Junior Joliette Johnson making her official debut with the team this season. Cottey also added promising freshman Jessie Mick, a talented runner from Ault, CO. September will prove to be the Comets most busy month, traveling to three competitions. October will see the Comets travel to the Haskell Invitational and Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic, before preparing for the postseason in November. This years American Midwest Conference Championships will be held at Hannibal-LaGrange Unversity in Hannibal, MO. The NAIA National Championships will be held at Gans Creek in Columbia, MO. The Comets will get a sneak peek at the course when they take on the Gans Creek Classic on September 27th. 

In order to qualify for the NAIA National Championships, the top team, as well as the next 4 individuals to finish at the American Midwest Conference Championship will punch their ticket to the big dance in Columbia, MO. 

First up on the schedule is the Bearcat Classic, with a start time of 5:15pm on the campus of Southwest Baptist University.