Gonzaga University
Lakefront Invite
Gonzaga Cross Country to take on Lakefront Invite
9/24/2026 12:04:00 PM | Cross Country
CHICAGO-Â Gonzaga Cross Country will take on their first race on the national stage on Friday morning when they take on a Lakefront Invitational that a combined features seven ranked teams across both races.
Running against ranked teams gives the Zags the ability to strengthen the case for an at-large team bid for the NCAA Cross Country National Championship. Finishing ahead of ranked or nationally qualifying teams at any meet will help teams to establish a team for consideration by the NCAA Selection Committee. At-large bids for teams are largely based on head to head races and not specific times, so national races can help round out the resume for a national championship qualification.
This is the first national matchup for the Zags on the course this season. Gonzaga will also have a chance to impress on the national stage when they return to the Midwest to take on the Nuttycombe Invitational on October 9th.Gonzaga women's cross country took third place in last year's Lakefront Invitational, with Jessica Frydenlund leading the Zags with a sixth overall individual finish.
The 2026 Lakefront Invitational Women's 6k Championship features four ranked teams (#12 Northwestern, #20 Virginia, #23 Washington, #24 Minnesota), while the Men's 8k Championship features three ranked teams (#11 Wisconsin, #13 Washington, #24 Tulane). The Women's 6k Championship will take place at 7am pacific time, while the Men's 8k Championship is slated for 7:45 am pacific time.
The Gonzaga men's and women's cross country teams each swept the Clash of the Inland Northwest for the second year in a row to open the season. The women's cross country team is currently ranked sixth in the West region in the most recent USTFCCCA Regional Rankings. The men's team is ranked at ninth in the West. Â The Zags will return to Spokane for their next meet, taking on the Frank Knott Invite on October 3rd at The Course in Spokane Valley. Â Â
