The California State University, Fresno Bulldogs cross country team will compete for the first time in the Pac-12 Cross Country Championships on October 30, 2026, in Boise, Idaho. The women27s 6,000-meter race is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time, followed by the men27s 8,000-meter race at 11:30 a.m. PT.
Junior Chiara Pedol has led the Fresno State women in their last three meets, posting top-15 finishes and improving her position on the school27s all-time distance performance lists. Other notable women runners include Rhiannon Walker and Ashley Villafana Rodriguez, both of whom recently recorded personal best 5,000-meter times. Senior Khushleen Khakh will be participating in her final conference championship race.
Fresno State27s men27s team has demonstrated depth with seven scoring runners during the season, including leaders Jaden Tungate, Noah Graffigna, Ivan Barranco and Emilio Nunez. The team has shown strong pack running and personal best performances in several invitational meets.
Head coach Jason Drake, returning to the Pac-12 after 16 years coaching in the conference, expressed enthusiasm about the Bulldogs27 first Pac-12 postseason. “We are excited for the races and to compete in our first Pac-12 Championships,” Drake said. “Cross country is one of the strongest sports in the new Pac-12, and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Following the Pac-12 Championships, Fresno State will compete at the NCAA West Regional on November 13, 2026, in Sacramento, California.
CSB Take
The California State University, Fresno Bulldogs entering the Pac-12 Cross Country Championships is a major milestone for the program as it transitions into one of the nation’s strongest distance-running conferences. Junior Chiara Pedol27s leadership and the team27s depth position them well to compete effectively against established programs. Their performance in Boise will be crucial in setting the tone for postseason opportunities, including the upcoming NCAA West Regional, and establishing Fresno State27s competitive stature in the Pac-12.
Source: Original report
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