There's plenty of optimism surrounding the Chico State women's cross country camp—and for good reason. Each of the Wildcats' three All-California Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAA) runners and three All-West Region winners from a year ago are set to return, establishing a foundation bolstered by an impressive group of talented young harriers. With the official release of the 2022 cross country schedule, the 'Cats are setting their sights on delivering many memorable performances throughout the fall.
Chico State lists a total of seven meets on the 2022 schedule, giving the Wildcat women a chance to achieve several notable goals. After a second place finish in 2021, the 'Cats enter the fall with aiming to hoist the CCAA women's cross country team championship banner for the 13th time in 14 seasons. Chico State will also be looking to improve on its third place showing in the 2021 NCAA West Regionals and No. 25 placing at last season's NCAA Championship Finals in Saint Leo, Florida. Reaching the 2022 finals would mark the Wildcats' 22nd consecutive appearance at the national meet.
Cal State San Marcos is the site of the 'Cats' 2022 cross country opener, as Chico State competes Saturday, September 24 at the Cougar Challenge. Three weeks later, on Saturday, October 15, the Wildcats will be in Sunnyvale to run in the Bronco Invitational, hosted by the University of Santa Clara.
Chico State participates in its final regular season meet Saturday, October 22, getting an invaluable preview of the national championship course layout as part of the NCAA Division II Pre-Nationals at Chambers Creek Regional Park in University Place, Washington.
The CCAA Cross Country Championships, hosted by Cal State Monterey Bay, is slated for Saturday, November 5 at Palo Corona Regional Park in Carmel. The Wildcats hope to use a big finish at the conference meet to vault them into the NCAA West Regional, taking place Saturday, November 19 at Armend Park in Billings, Montana.
Sunday, November 20, several Chico State harriers will be let loose in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park to compete in the Pacific Association USA Track & Field (USATF) Cross Country Championships.
A top three team finish or an at-large bid in the West Regional will earn the 'Cats a return trip to University Place, Washington to participate in the season-ending NCAA Cross Country Championships Saturday, December 3 at Chambers Creek Regional Park.
Now in his 27th year at the helm, head coach Gary Towne is confident he has that special mix of veteran competitors and young runners ready to step up and make their mark that will propel the Chico State women's cross country team to new heights in 2022.
