PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The Wallace Community College men's and women's cross country teams will officially begin the 2026 season Friday as the Govs travel to Panama City, Florida, to compete in the inaugural Baptist University of Florida Eagle Invitational.
The meet marks the beginning of a new era for Wallace Cross Country, as Cliff Carter will make his collegiate coaching debut as the Governors' Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach. Carter brings 13 years of coaching experience in the Alabama High School Athletic Association to Wallace, including eight years as the head cross country and track coach at Providence Christian School in Dothan, where his teams won eight state cross country championships.
Carter will inherit a men's team that returns several of its top performers from a year ago, including Eric Baker, Kenon Douglas, Malachi Bell and Quentin Harper. All four return as sophomores and will provide valuable experience as the Govs begin the new campaign.
The women's team will also feature a strong returning core, with Marissa Bollon, Emma Johnson and Star Citlahua returning for their sophomore seasons. The trio will provide experience for a Lady Govs squad that also welcomes several newcomers to the program.
Friday's meet will be hosted by Baptist University of Florida at Majette Park in Panama City, with the event serving as the first competition hosted by the Baptist University of Florida cross country program.
For Carter and the Govs, the opening meet provides the first opportunity to see the team's preparation translate to competition and begin establishing the identity of the 2026 Wallace cross country program.
"We're excited to finally get the season underway," said Carter. "We have a great group of returning runners, along with some new faces, and I'm looking forward to seeing them compete and represent Wallace. Our goal is to continue improving each week and build something special together."
With experienced returners on both squads and a new head coach bringing a championship-level background to the program, the Governors are ready to take their first steps into the 2026 season.
