Austin Peay Cross Country Teams Compete in Championships
The Austin Peay State University teams participated in the inaugural United Athletic Conference Championships in Kentucky.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Track & Field
Austin Peay State University cross country teams traveled to Richmond, Kentucky, for the inaugural United Athletic Conference Championships. Student-athletes competed at the University Club at Arlington.
Why it matters
The event marked a milestone for the conference as it hosted its first championship meet for cross country athletes.
In the men's 8K event, Tahmar Upshaw finished 33rd while Jacob Schweigardt claimed 35th place. Shaye Foster led the women's team with a 28th place finish, followed by Holly Harding in 34th position.
The players
Austin Peay State University
A public university located in Clarksville, Tennessee, that competes in various collegiate sports as a member of the United Athletic Conference.
Shaye Foster
A cross country runner who represented Austin Peay State University at the conference championship.
Holly Harding
A cross country athlete who participated in the women's event for Austin Peay State University.
Tahmar Upshaw
A student-athlete who competed for Austin Peay State University in the men's 8K cross country race.
Jacob Schweigardt
A cross country runner for Austin Peay State University who finished in 35th place during the conference meet.
The details
Runners from Austin Peay State University navigated the course at the University Club at Arlington to complete the conference's first annual championship event. Team standings were finalized based on the individual placements of the top participating athletes.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: The inaugural United Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships were held.
November 13, 2026: Austin Peay State University teams are scheduled to compete in the NCAA South Regionals.
Season Trajectory
These conference championship results serve as the final preparation for the squad's upcoming appearance at the NCAA South Regionals. Success at this regional level is necessary for teams hoping to advance their postseason placement.
The conference results finalize the individual standings for Austin Peay runners as they prepare for the 8K distance and longer formats at the regional level. Athletes are now focused on refining their race times before the upcoming meet in Tallahassee.
The takeaway
The inaugural conference meet provides a vital baseline for the athletes as they transition toward regional competition. Maintaining performance stability is essential for the team to remain competitive in upcoming postseason events.
What happens next
The Austin Peay State University cross country teams are scheduled to participate in the NCAA South Regionals on November 13, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Further reading
Find more local coverage on the Track & Field section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Clarksville, TN Online.
