Gadsden State Cross Country Looks to Build on Recent Success in 2026

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area/Community News | Sunday, August 30, 2026

GADSDEN, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College’s men’s and women’s cross country teams are preparing for the 2026 season with a strong returning sophomore class and a promising group of newcomers as the Cardinals look to continue building momentum at the conference and national levels.

The program enters its third season under Head Coach Jackson Millander, who said the experience gained by last year’s runners should provide an important foundation for the months ahead.

On the men’s side, returning sophomores include Caleb Gay of Alexandria, Angel Martinez of Douglas, Ethan Patterson of Hokes Bluff, Kam Schacht of Buckhorn and William Spruill of Roanoke.

The women’s team returns Abbie Dickeson of White Plains, Ashlie Easterwood of Ohatchee, Kylie Davis of Alexandria, Pricila Lopez of Boaz and Trinity Pope of Alexandria.

“The experience they gained last season can’t be taught, and I expect them to provide strong leadership while helping the freshmen adjust,” Millander said in a press release provided to The Weekly Ledger News. “They’re hungry to keep building on what we’ve accomplished.”

Gadsden State is also welcoming a freshman class expected to add depth and competition across both rosters.

Newcomers to the men’s team include Christian Sotelo of White Plains, Eddie Lucas of Boaz, Bruce Stone III of Jacksonville, Elias Ramos of Gadsden City and Logan Wilson of Piedmont.

Joining the women’s team are Claire McFarland of Alexandria, Karlee Tarpley of West End and Cami Cook of Horseshoe Bend.

“This group trained this summer like they had something to prove,” Millander said. “I’m very excited to watch them compete this year.”

Millander said the combination of experienced returning runners and talented freshmen has created optimism surrounding the program.

“We’re returning a talented group that knows our expectations, and we’ve added a very talented group of freshmen who fit our culture,” he said. “It’s a combination that has us excited for this season.”

The Cardinals will compete throughout the fall with their sights set on strong finishes in Alabama Community College Conference and Region 22 competition, along with continued success on the national stage.

Rosters, schedules, results and other updates are available through the official Gadsden State Athletics website.

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