Bozeman, Mont.—The Montana State Bobcats cross country teams are heading to Flagstaff, Ariz., this week for the Big Sky Cross Country Championships, where they’ll aim to extend their streaks of top-three finishes. The men, seeking their sixth consecutive top-three result, and the women, chasing a fourth straight, face a field of 11 teams, with Northern Arizona looming as the favorite. reported that the Bobcats enter the event ranked second in the Big Sky Conference on both the men’s and women’s sides, trailing only Northern Arizona in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) rankings.
The Streak Continues: Montana State’s Pursuit of Conference Dominance
Montana State’s men have not won a Big Sky title since 2002, while the women’s last conference victory came in 1995. The Bobcats’ men, who finished 12th at the Pre-National Invitational in Terre Haute, Ind., on Oct. 16, outperformed their projected ranking by 13 spots, with Sam Ells placing 27th in the 8k. The women, who improved 10 spots to 28th in the same race, saw Niamh Motley set a personal best with a 21:49.2 in the 6k. These results have propelled the men to sixth in the Mountain Region rankings—their highest since week two of the 2024 season—and the women to 10th, matching their week one ranking from the 2025 campaign.
The stakes are high. Northern Arizona holds the No. 1 spot in the XCRI, with Southern Utah, Weber State, and Montana rounding out the men’s top five. On the women’s side, Weber State and Idaho State follow Northern Arizona and Montana State in the rankings. The Bobcats will need strong performances from their 10-man and 10-woman squads to challenge for titles.
Montana State Seeks First Conference Titles Since 2002
Montana State’s cross country program has long been a fixture in the Big Sky Conference. The men’s team last claimed a title in 2002. The women’s program has not captured the conference crown since 1995.
The women’s squad, led by Niamh Motley and Sofia Ledermann, has also demonstrated resilience. However, the competition will be fierce. Southern Utah’s men, who finished third in the XCRI, and Weber State’s women, who rank third in the conference, will pose significant challenges.
What’s at Stake for the Community and Beyond
The meet brings together fans, alumni, and local businesses.
Programs like Montana State’s compete at a high level in the Big Sky Conference.
The Devil’s Advocate: Is the Big Sky Conference Enough?
The Bobcats’ journey to Flagstaff is also a story of resilience. Both squads will need to harness this momentum to succeed.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Nationals
Regardless of the outcome in Flagstaff, the Bobcats’ season isn’t over. The men and women will compete at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships in Albuquerque, N.M., on Nov. 13. This event serves as a qualifier for the NCAA Championships, offering a path to national competition. For the Bobcats, the goal is clear: to build on their conference success and make a statement on a larger stage.
As the teams prepare for their final regular-season meet, the question remains: Can Montana State break through? The Bobcats have the talent, the coaching, and the determination. But in a conference as competitive as the Big Sky, anything is possible.
The Big Sky Cross Country Championships are more than just a race—they’re a celebration of tradition, grit, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. For the Bobcats, this week is a chance to write the next chapter in their storied history. Whether they come away with titles or just valuable experience, one thing is certain: the spirit of Montana State cross country will shine bright in Flagstaff.
