JOPLIN, Mo. - Missouri Southern men's and women's cross country announced Monday its 2026 schedule. The schedule features six races including the 2026 MSSU Stampede on Sept. 19 at Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin.
 
The season opens with the Southwest Baptist Bearcat Invite in Bolivar, Missouri, on Sept. 5.
 
MSSU then returns home for the 37th annual Southern Stampede on Sept. 19 at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin.
 
The Pre-Nationals Tune-Up follows on Oct. 11 and is a crucial meet that will allow the teams to gauge their performance against some of the nation's best, as they race at Rim Rock in Lawrence, Kansas. This competition serves as a significant precursor to the National Championships, offering a valuable experience on a challenging course.
 
MSSU then opens postseason competition at the 2026 MIAA Cross Country Championships in St. Joseph, Missouri, on Nov. 7.
 
The 2026 NCAA Central Region Championships on Nov. 21 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championships in Lawrence, Kansas, on Dec. 5. wraps the cross country season.