BOWIE, MD – The Bowie State University men's and women's cross country teams opened their 2026 season on Friday afternoon at the Delaware State University Sting Invite in Smyrna, Del. Competing against a talented field that included Delaware State, Morgan State, Coppin State, Lincoln (PA), Maryland Eastern Shore and Cheyney, both Bulldog squads turned in a strong effort as they kicked off the new campaign.
The Bowie State women's team placed fourth overall with a team score of 104 points, finishing just behind Delaware State, Morgan State and Coppin State. The Bulldogs recorded a combined team time of 2:03:57, with an average time of 24:47. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Leilani Gibson, who finished eighth overall in the women's 5K with a time of 21:35.4, earning Bowie State's top individual finish. Emetem Bezezuh followed closely, placing 10th overall with a time of 22:07.4. Destinie Mayo crossed the finish line in 25th at 24:50.3, while Anijah Medley finished 36th in 26:51.8 and Sydney Anderson rounded out Bowie State's scoring five in 38th place with a time of 28:33.2. The women's team placed fourth overall, and tallied 104 points.
On the men's side, Bowie State finished sixth overall with 165 points and a combined team time of 1:48:56, averaging 21:47 per runner. The Bulldogs competed in a competitive 5K field that saw Delaware State claim the team title, followed by Coppin State, Morgan State, Maryland Eastern Shore and Lincoln (PA). Sean Trader paced the Bowie State men, finishing 15th overall with a time of 17:33.2. Freshman Chase Garcia was next across the line for the Bulldogs, placing 28th in 18:40.7. Keshon Tate finished 43rd at 23:11.7, followed by Michael Price, who recorded a time of 23:25.3 in 44th place. Kevin Joy completed Bowie State's scoring lineup with a 45th-place finish in 26:06.0. The men's team placed sixth overall, and tallied 165 points.
For complete results from the Delaware State University Sting Invite, click here.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs will set eyes on the Virginia State Challenge on Sept. 25 in Ettrick, Va. The women's 5K will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the men's 8K race at 4:45 p.m.
For the latest on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity teams, visit BSUBulldogs.com and follow the Bulldogs on social media.
