Princeton Fall Classic: A Key Event for the Tigers
The Princeton women’s cross country team is geared up for the 2025 Princeton Fall Classic on October 17. This event, held at the Meadows Cross Country Course, is a crucial chance for the Tigers to showcase their skills before the Ivy Heps.
Recent Performance Highlights
In their last competition at the Paul Short Run at Lehigh, four athletes—Emma De Jong, Olivia Martin, Emily Cooper, and Anna Chittenden—finished in the top 10. Before that, Anna McNatt stood out at the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Mo., finishing with a personal record of 20:09.30, earning Ivy Athlete of the Week honors.
Looking Back at Last Season
The Tigers had an impressive 2024 season, clinching the Ivy League Cross Country Championship— their first since 2015. They ranked fourth at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic regionals, and they now sit fifth in the latest USTFCCCA poll.
Meet the Team
This year’s squad brings back six of their top seven from last year’s Ivy Championships. Notably, sophomores De Jong, Madison, and McNatt were strong contributors in their first year. McNatt received First Team All-Ivy honors in 2024, while Meg Madison earned a spot on the Second Team. Upperclassmen like Stella Vieth, Hannah Riggins, and Olivia Martin add valuable experience, having contributed to the team’s successes in indoor and outdoor track last season.
Coaching Excellence
In charge of the team is Coach Brad Hunt, now in his 10th season. His leadership was recognized with the Ivy Cross Country Coach of the Year award in 2024, along with accolades as Mid-Atlantic Region Assistant Coach of the Year for outdoor track.
The Bigger Picture
As the Tigers prepare for the Fall Classic, they are not just focused on winning. It’s about teamwork, growth, and learning. Success in sports often reflects broader human experiences—persistence, improvement, and camaraderie.
Stay tuned as Princeton continues to push for excellence this season, building on past achievements while forging new paths.
For more insights on cross country and athletic achievements, check out USTFCCCA for the latest updates and statistics.