BRIDGEWATER, Va. – For the eighth time in league history, Bridgewater College will host the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Cross Country Championships, with races set for Saturday, November 1. The event returns to Bridgewater's custom course, which winds along the outskirts of the Harrisonburg-area campus. The Eagles last hosted the meet in 2021.
Competition begins at 10:00 a.m. with the men's 8k championship, followed by the women's 6k race at 11:00 a.m.
W&L WOMEN'S PREVIEW
The No. 14 nationally ranked Washington and Lee University women's cross country team enters the 2025 ODAC Championships as the regional favorite and top-ranked South Region program. The Generals, No. 1 in the South Region and No. 8 nationally in FloTrack's Division III rankings, aim to defend their conference title after winning the 2024 championship at Green Hill Park—marking the program's first ODAC crown since 2019 and 20th overall.
W&L's strength lies in its balance, depth, and competitive consistency throughout a demanding regular season. The Generals earned team victories at the Eagle Cross Country Challenge and Dickinson Long/Short Invitational, placed third at the Virginia Tech Invitational, and added top-five finishes at both the Paul Short Invitational and the Roanoke XC Invitational (South Region Showdown).
Olivia Warr has led the charge all fall, ranking No. 3 nationally in FloTrack's individual Division III standings and holding one of the top 6k marks in the South Region. She is joined by Lydia Harvey, who has also earned ODAC Runner of the Week honors and consistently finished as the Generals' second scorer.
The scoring lineup features exceptional depth with Eve Spencer, Maddy Morgan, and Adelaide Ellis rounding out the top five. Claire Fuchs, Amelia Weenig, Josie Engle, and Claire Dumont provide valuable support for the Generals' postseason depth, while Reese Brown—an All-ODAC performer in 2023—adds additional championship experience.
Warr and Harvey are two of just three returning All-ODAC runners from 2024, joined by Lynchburg's Adelynn Carpenter. This year, the conference will expand its postseason recognition, introducing a Third Team All-ODAC to honor 21 total runners across the three squads.
The championship field will feature several strong challengers, including Lynchburg (No. 5 South Region), Bridgewater (No. 6), and Shenandoah (No. 7). W&L's victory over Lynchburg at the South Region Showcase solidified the Generals' position as the frontrunner entering postseason competition.
COACH'S QUOTE
"I think a lot of people didn't know how we would handle losing five of our top eight women to graduation last year, but our young and talented group has responded incredibly well. The 2024 team established a culture of resilience and grit, and that has carried over to the team this year. The women have been working hard all season and are looking forward to getting the postseason underway. Bridgewater always does a great job hosting and creating a championship atmosphere for the athletes. We're very much looking forward to Saturday's race."
– Head Coach Mike Dager
W&L 2025 SEASON RESULTS
- Eagle Cross Country Challenge – 1st (20 pts)
- Virginia Tech Invitational – 3rd (56 pts)
- Dickinson Long/Short Invitational – 1st (12 pts)
- Paul Short Invitational – 5th (228 pts)
- Roanoke XC Invitational (South Region Showdown) – 3rd (84 pts)
- Connecticut College Invitational – 19th (539 pts)
LIVE COVERAGE AND RESULTS
Blue Ridge Timing will provide chip timing with live splits and results throughout both races. The ODAC will also stream the championships via its FloCollege platform. Final results will be available on TFRRS, the ODAC website, and Generalssports.com following the event. Fans who can't make it in person, can watch on FloCollege.
AWARDS
Following the women's and men's races, the ODAC will present team trophies, All-ODAC honors, and the ODAC/Virginia Farm Bureau Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. The top seven finishers earn First Team All-ODAC recognition, while places 8–14 and 15–21 receive Second and Third Team All-ODAC honors, respectively.
TICKETS AND TRAVEL
Those planning to attend should purchase passes through the ODAC's exclusive partner, Hometown Ticketing. Admission is $10 per car and can purchased ahead of time, here.
Venue Address:
Bridgewater College Cross Country Course
402 E College St.
Bridgewater, Va. 22812
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
