JOPLIN, Mo. - Ozark Christian College is the host of the 2025 NCCAA Cross Country National Championships on Friday, November 14. The Malone University men's and women's cross country teams will be favorites to claim the national title, with the women looking to go back-to-back as reigning champions.
 
The Pioneers are second on the men's side and third for the women, however all three teams ahead of them will not be attending the NCCAA Championships due to qualifying for national championship meets elsewhere. On the men's side, Malone holds six of the top nine spots for individuals who will be in attendance and the women have four of the top seven seeds.
 
Hayden Schmidt and Rebekah Stoneman paced the squads at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships last weekend. Each of them set new personal best times in the 10k and 6k, with Schmidt named All-Region by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
 
Races begin at 9:00 A.M. CST from the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course. More information can be found on the NCCAA CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE.