The Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks men’s cross country team will compete at the 51st Annual Charles Bowles Invitational on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The event, hosted by Willamette University, will take place around McCulloch Stadium and Bush’s Pasture Park in Willamette, Oregon.
The Lumberjacks enter the meet following a fifth-place finish among 12 teams at the Mike Johnson Classic on September 26 at Ash Creek Preserve in Monmouth, Oregon. Freshman Jack Butterfield led the team with a personal-best 8K time of 25:32.4, finishing 19th overall. Jacob Christoper recorded a season-best 25:43.4, while Kees Van Der Meer, Jared Hayes, Edgar Gutierrez, and Colin Wright also posted personal-best performances.
Cal Poly Humboldt has earned two top-five team finishes this season, including a championship at the Jim Hunt Invitational and the recent fifth-place result at the Mike Johnson Classic. The Charles Bowles Invitational features an 8K race and draws collegiate men’s cross country programs from across the Western United States.
After the Charles Bowles Invitational, Cal Poly Humboldt’s next competition is the Bronco Invitational scheduled for October 17, 2026.
CSB Take
With strong individual performances from a young roster, including standout freshman Jack Butterfield, Cal Poly Humboldt has established itself as a competitive team early this season. Maintaining consistency and continuing athlete development will be essential for the Lumberjacks as they aim for higher finishes in upcoming meets. Their placement at the Charles Bowles Invitational will be a key indicator of their progression.
Source: Original report
