CORBIN, Ky. — Just a few days after getting their 2026 seasons underway, the Montreat College men's and women's cross country teams are already adding to their trophy cases. According to a release from the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) office on Tuesday morning, both Macy Parks and Angel Cruz claimed the first AAC Cross Country Runner of the Week nods of their collegiate careers.
 
Competing at the Bruins XC Night Classic on Friday, the Montreat duo delivered high-level performances. On the women's side, Parks set her squad's individual meet record time, besting the program's 2021 mark in Greenville, S.C. by roughly 30 seconds. The senior crossed the finish line in 14:51.9, good for second out of 90 participants and best among non-NCAA athletes. Parks' 4k showing also aided her team in seizing runner-up recognition out of 12 squads.
 
Making his collegiate debut, Cruz also concluded as the top non-NCAA competitor. The freshman placed fourth out of 111 finishers thanks to his time of 19:48.8. Like Parks, Cruz's mark on the individual leaderboard reflected the Cavaliers' team placement. Montreat ended fourth out of 12 squads during Friday night's 6k.
 
Parks, Cruz and the Montreat College men's and women's cross country teams return to action on Friday, Sept. 25 when they travel to Mill Spring, N.C. for the Tryon Collegiate Cross Country Showcase. The women's race is slated to begin at 6 p.m., while the men's race is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.