Wallace State Cross-Country Aims for Eighth Straight Conference Title, National Success
HANCEVILLE — Coming off another strong season under head coach Tony Crider, the Wallace State Lions enter the 2025 cross-country season with championship aspirations and plenty of depth on both the men's and women's sides.
With their sights set on capturing an eighth consecutive Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Championship and making a push toward a top-five national finish, the Lions bring back a talented core while adding a promising group of newcomers.
"I believe we can be very good on the ladies' and men's side," Crider said. "It's our largest total group ever with nine women and 17 men. If we stay healthy, both teams have the potential to crack the top three nationally."
The Lions open their season Aug. 30 at the Memphis Twilight Invitational before facing a competitive fall schedule, culminating with the NJCAA National Championship on Nov. 8 in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Men's Team: Experienced, Deep, and Ready to Push the Pace
The Wallace State men's team returns eight sophomores, giving Crider one of his deepest and most experienced squads to date. With 17 total runners, the Lions expect to contend for a spot on the national podium if they can stay healthy and run together as a pack.
Key Returners
- Tyler Anthony
- Daniel Leiji
- Carson Masterson
- Conner McCrary
- Harper Branscome
- Elliott Denard
Anthony, who has stepped into the program's primary leadership role, headlines a group that Crider believes can set the tone early in races.
"Our returning sophomores provide us with experience, toughness, and leadership," Crider said. "They've been through the grind and know what it takes to compete at this level."
Freshman Impact
The Lions also welcome an impressive freshman class led by Jaquavion Bryant, Rene Moreno, Luke Allen, Jack Wiggins, Austin Wilkes, Thomas Ferster, and David Nanashirov. Several are expected to challenge the veterans for top-five spots throughout the season.
Team Strengths and Goals
Wallace State's depth and experience should allow them to excel in large meets. Crider emphasized group running as a key to success this year:
"If we can stay tight as a pack, we have a real shot at finishing in the top three nationally," he said.
The Lions will test themselves at the Royals Challenge in Charlotte on Oct. 10, a race Crider called a "major indicator" of who will represent Wallace State in the postseason.
Women's Team: Youthful, Talented, and Poised to Break Through
On the women's side, Wallace State features a nine-runner roster that blends experienced leadership with fresh talent. The Lions return two key sophomores, Reagan Parris and Grace Gosline, who provide stability and set the tone for a promising freshman class.
Key Returners
- Reagan Parris
- Grace Gosline
Parris, the team's vocal leader, has helped guide the younger runners through preseason training and team bonding activities.
"Reagan has stepped into a huge leadership role," Crider said. "She leads by example and keeps the team focused on our goals."
Freshman Additions
The Lions bring in several newcomers, Brookelyn Morgan, Cadence Rivera and Payton Ridley, who are expected to contribute right away, adding depth and competition throughout the lineup. Crider believes this year's women's team could be one of Wallace State's fastest groups ever if they stay healthy.
Building Chemistry and Developing Depth
To foster team cohesion, the women's squad took a beach retreat before the season began, an annual bonding tradition that Crider says pays off later in the year.
"This is the tightest women's group we've had in years," Crider said. "If we can keep everyone healthy, there's no reason we can't compete for a top-three finish nationally."
Training, Academics, and Expectations
The Lions' success is built on a foundation of rigorous training and academic commitment. During the summer, runners logged 50–70 miles per week, often starting at 5 a.m. for 7-to-9-mile daily runs and longer weekend sessions of up to 17 miles.
Crider also prioritizes academic success, aiming for a team GPA of 3.0 or higher and consistently producing 7–10 Academic All-Americans each year.
"We recruit student-athletes who are good people and love to run," Crider said. "If you have those two qualities, everything else falls into place."
Key Dates to Watch
- Aug. 30 — Memphis Twilight Invitational
- Oct. 10 — Royals Challenge (Charlotte, NC)
- Oct. 25 — ACCC Conference Championship
- Nov. 8 — NJCAA National Championship (Fort Dodge, IA)
Outlook
With depth, experience, and a renewed sense of purpose, Wallace State enters the 2025 cross-country season as a conference favorite and a legitimate national contender. If both teams stay healthy and execute Crider's plan for tight pack running, the Lions could make history with another conference title and potentially their best-ever national finishes.
"This group is tough as nails but also some of the kindest individuals you'll ever meet," Crider said. "I couldn't ask for a better group to coach."