BOWIE, Md. -- The Bowie State men's and women's cross-country teams will begin competition this weekend when the Bulldogs travel to Dover, Del., to compete in the Delaware State Invitational. The meet will provide both Bowie State squads with another opportunity to test themselves against regional competition as the 2026 cross country season continues.
When: Friday, Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Where: Delaware State University – Dover, Del.
Meet Schedule: Click Here
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Season Begins in Dover
Bowie State enters the Delaware State Invitational looking to start to the 2026 campaign. This meet will serve as an important opportunity for Bowie State's runners to gain experience, improve their times and continue preparing for the championship portion of the season.
 
Last Time Out for the Bulldog Men
The Bowie State men's team was led throughout the 2025 season by a combination of consistent veteran performances and emerging young talent. At the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championship, Kamren Branch paced the Bulldogs with a 16^th place finish, crossing the line in 28:57.3. Branch's performance capped a strong season in which he emerged as one of Bowie State's top runners. Earlier in the campaign, he recorded a personal-best 18:02 at the Howard Invitational, where he finished 18^th overall. Sean Trader also played an important role throughout last season, finishing as the Bulldogs top runner in three of the team's five meets and posting a season-best 18:16 at the Delaware State Sting Invitational. Overall, the Bulldogs showed its potential throughout the season, including a third-place team finish at the VSU Cross Country Challenge and a sixth-place finish at the Howard invitational.
 
Last Time Out for the Bulldog Women
On the women's side, the Bulldogs demonstrated consistency throughout the 2025 season, highlighted by strong performances from Emetem Bezezuh, Kaniyah Ervin, Ugonna Ibegwam and the rest of the BSU lineup. Bezezuh was one of Bowie State's most consistent runners during the campaign, leading the women's squad in every meet. She recorded her season-best time of 23:29.8 at the LVC Dutchmen Cross Country Invite.
At the CIAA Championship, Kaniyah Ervin led the Bulldogs, finishing 35th overall with a time of 23:33.7. Ugonna Ibegwam followed closely in 39th at 23:47.7. BSU also turned in a strong performance at the Howard Invitational, finishing fifth overall with 141 points. Bezezuh led the way with a 23rd-place finish in 23:49, while Ibegwam, Ervin, Adonna Jackson and Sule rounded out the Bulldogs' top five.
 
Looking Ahead
Following the Delaware State Invitational, the Bulldogs will set eyes on the Virginia State Challenge on Sept. 25 in Ettrick, Va.
 
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