CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The University of Southern Indiana men’s and women’s teams swept the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country Championships on Friday. Both programs claimed their second OVC cross country crowns in what is the program’s fifth year as members of the Conference.

The Screaming Eagles men’s team placed five runners in the top seven spots and had eight finish in the first 12. Defending champion, UT Martin, finished second (80), ahead of Southeast Missouri (85) in third and Morehead State (90) in fourth. Rounding out the field was Eastern Illinois (147), Western Illinois (155), SIUE (189), Lindenwood (199) and Tennessee State (271).

Senior Alex Nolan broke the tape at 24:05.40 to claim his first individual championship. Sophomore Jackson Nolan was runner-up to his older brother, crossing the line in 24:10.70. Morehead State's Aidan Massey placed third, while UT Martin's Angus Monro finished fourth, ahead of four USI runners.

Southern Indiana's women had three runners in the top four to pace them to 34 points. Southeast Missouri finished second (63), while UT Martin (84) placed third ahead of Western Illinois (96). Morehead State (115) was fifth, followed by Eastern Illinois (142), SIUE (165), Lindenwood (236) and Tennessee State (285).

Morehead State's freshman Shelby Lamb earned her first OVC title in 20:36.80, finishg 50 seconds ahead of OVC Athlete of the Year, USI's Ellie Hall. Fellow Screaming Eagles Sierra Parks and Cordella Hoover were third and fourth and was followed by UT Martin's Danielle Mudd and two-time champion Nova Ojutkangas of Southeast Missouri.

Following the races, USI's Mike Hillyard was selected both OVC Men’s and Women's Coach of the Year.