GREENVILLE, S.C. — CIU men's cross country began its 2026 campaign Friday evening at the Bruins Night Classic, hosted by Bob Jones University.

Jacobo Garcia-Rivera paced the Rams in their season debut, turning in a 6K time of 20:55.50.

Joey Canning was CIU's next finisher, crossing the line in 22:16.70, while freshman Nathan Mathison made his collegiate debut with a time of 22:47.40. Mathison's performance earned him a spot in the CIU record book, as his mark ranks as the fifth-fastest 6K time in program history. Garcia-Riveria owns the program's fastest time, and Canning holds the 4th-fastest time. 

The Rams return to competition Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Queen City Invite in Charlotte, N.C.