CIAA Announces Cross Country Performers of the Week
CHARLOTTE, NC (September 7, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) has announced Natalie Young and Marcus Merritt III of Virginia Union University as the CIAA Women’s and Men’s Cross Country Performers of the Week following standout performances at the Spider Alumni Open on September 5.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Natalie Young | Virginia Union University | Freshman
Young delivered a strong performance at the Spider Alumni Open, completing the 4K course in 16:26. The freshman’s performance highlighted Virginia Union’s competition over the weekend and earned her CIAA Women’s Cross Country Performer of the Week honors.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Marcus Merritt II | Virginia Union University | Freshman
Merritt turned in an impressive performance at the Spider Alumni Open, completing the 6K course in 20:49. The freshman’s effort highlighted Virginia Union’s men’s cross country performance and earned him CIAA Men’s Cross Country Performer of the Week honors.
56th CIAA Cross Country Championship
October 22, 2026
Green Hill Park
2500 Green Hill Park Rd
Salem, VA 24153
Media Contact
Matisse S. Lee | mlee@theciaa.com
Senior Associate Commissioner, Communications & Marketing, Special Projects / SWA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bluefield State University, Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University (PA), Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University.
For more information about the CIAA, visit theciaa.com.