The Fresno State Bulldogs men’s and women’s cross country teams are scheduled to compete at the UC Riverside Invitational on September 19, 2026, continuing their streak of seven consecutive seasons at the event. The meet will be held at the UCR Agricultural Operations Course in Riverside, California, with the women’s 6-kilometer race starting at 7:15 a.m. Pacific Time and the men’s 8-kilometer race at 8:55 a.m. PT.
The course is mostly flat with some rolling hills and features a hard-packed dirt surface surrounded by century-old citrus trees. The Bulldogs bring strong lineups, with the women’s team returning eight of nine runners from 2025. Junior Chiara Pedol, who posted one of the program’s top 6K times at this course during previous seasons, leads the women’s squad alongside international runner Nayla Martin.
On the men’s side, four of five runners from last season return, including leaders Noah Graffigna and Emilio Nunez. The entire men’s team consists of athletes native to California’s Central Valley, highlighting the program’s regional strength. Other returning men include Jaden Tungate, Enrique Loredo, and Elijah Williams.
Head Coach Jason Drake, in his eighth season, and assistant coach McKaylie Caesar, a former Central Valley All-American, guide the Bulldogs. Drake noted the invitational is a key benchmark for the team’s annual progress. While the men’s team has faced some illnesses this week, Drake expressed optimism about improving on their fourth-place finish from last year. The women’s team, which achieved its best NCAA West Regional finish since 2013 in 2025, could climb on the program’s national top-25 list.
CSB Take
The Fresno State Bulldogs’ continued participation at the UC Riverside Invitational demonstrates the program’s commitment to growth and competition in collegiate cross country. Returning experienced runners, particularly the women, provides a solid foundation for improved performances. The men’s team’s Central Valley composition reflects strong local talent development. Success at this early season meet will build momentum toward strong finishes in the 2026 campaign.
Source: Original report
