CORONA, Calif. – The Chapman University cross country teams started the 2026 season against a tough field at the Mark Covert Classic at the Green River Golf Club. Both teams finished ninth.

Nationally-ranked Pomona-Pitzer was the only other Division III team in the field as the Panthers took to the course for the first time this fall. Gavin White led the men's team and Valerie Noria led the women's team in the first race of 2026.

White finished the 8k with a time of 26:25 to lead Chapman in 41st overall. Freshman Cooper Lowe was the next finisher for Chapman, coming in at 26:57.5 in his Chapman debut.

Noria's 6k time of 23:08.7 led the women's team and placed her 70th overall. Her career-best time moved her up to the 10th fastest in on Chapman's all-time list. Lily Fosmire wasn't far behind at 23:11.4.

Chapman heads to the UCR Invite on Sep. 19 to continue the 2026 season.