Macon, GA — Brewton-Parker Men's and Women's cross country opened the 2026 season Saturday morning at the Julius Johnson Invitational.

The BPCU men opened the year with a sixth-place team finish in the 6K race, led by freshman Mason LaFavor, who crossed the line in 21:56.7. Fellow freshman Brendan McMillan followed with a time of 23:15.1, while Eathyn Davis finished in 24:15.1 and Johnathon Ogg crossed in 24:23.2. 

Dylan Fletcher finished in 26:07.7, followed by Noah Mardarski at 26:18.1 and Gavin Gardner at 28:54.4. Freshman Nolan Yank rounded out the BPCU finishers with a time of 30:34.9. 

On the women's side, Izzy Bailey led Brewton-Parker with a time of 23:53 in the 5K season opener. The Lady Barons did not record a team score.

Saturday's meet gave a young Brewton-Parker squad its first competition of the season after Head Coach James Frank entered the year expecting continued improvement from both programs. 

Brewton-Parker will return to action Friday, Sept. 11, when the Barons travel to Tallahassee, Florida, for the Hoka Nights of Thunder XC Fest.