MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new era is set to begin for the LeMoyne-Owen College men's cross country program as the Magicians prepare for the 2026 season under first-year head coach Christopher Davis, II.
Davis enters his first season leading the program with a roster that blends returning experience with a promising group of freshmen. While the Magicians will feature several new faces this fall, one unique connection runs throughout the entire team: every member of the 2026 roster calls Memphis home.
"Having an all Memphis roster was not planned, but does add a special feeling to this new era of our cross country team program," Davis said.
That hometown connection gives the Magicians an added sense of identity as they begin building the foundation for the program under Davis. The group features three incoming freshmen in Antonio Hardin, Kameron Wright and Nicholas Brown, who will each have an opportunity to make an immediate impact during their first collegiate season.
The newcomers will be joined by five key returners in Julian Tallant, Charles Smith, Isaiah Fields, TJ Stephenson, Jr. and Tylan Ingram. Their experience should provide valuable leadership for a relatively young roster, especially as the freshmen adjust to the demands of collegiate cross country.
With veterans and newcomers training alongside one another, Davis has been encouraged by the progress he has seen leading into the opening meet.
"I'm pretty optimistic about our upcoming season," Davis said. "The guys have been progressing really well these past few weeks, and I think they're just ready to go out and compete."
LeMoyne-Owen will not have to travel far to begin its new chapter. The Magicians open the season on Sept. 5 at the City Auto Memphis Twilight XC Classic, giving the all-Memphis roster an opportunity to begin the season competing in its hometown.
Two weeks later, LOC will return to action at the Rhodes Invitational on Sept. 19 before competing in the Topper Trails College Classic on Sept. 26. The regular-season schedule continues on Oct. 16 at The Watson Collegiate XC Classic, which will provide the Magicians with another opportunity to test themselves before turning their attention toward postseason competition.
The date and location for the 2026 SIAC Cross Country Championships will be announced at a later time.
For Davis, the upcoming season represents more than simply the beginning of his tenure. It is an opportunity to establish a new standard for the program with a group of student-athletes who share a connection not only to LeMoyne-Owen, but also to the city the college represents.
With eight Memphis natives wearing the Purple and Gold, the Magicians will enter the 2026 season looking to turn that hometown pride into progress on the course.
The first test arrives Sept. 5, and for a new era of LeMoyne-Owen cross country, there may be no better place to start than home.
