BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The nationally-ranked Western Washington University cross country program will be in action this weekend opening the 2022 season at the CWU Invitational at Apple Ridge Run in Yakima.
 
The Vikings will head right into competition with the early-season meet just five days after reporting for preseason camp on Monday. WWU has spent most of this week at Fort Casey on Whidbey Island preparing and training for the upcoming season.
 
WWU heads into the 2022 campaign with both squads selected to finish 2nd in the GNAC Preseason Coaches Poll. The women's team received a No. 20 national ranking and the men checked in at No. 30 in the USTFCCCA Preseason Coaches Poll.
 
Saturday's racing schedule is scheduled to begin at 11 am with the women's 4K and follow with the men's 6K at 11:40 am. The CWU Invitational returns to Apple Ridge run for the first time since the 2019 season.
 
Following the season-opening CWU Invitational, the Vikings will host the lone home meet of the season with the Bill Roe Classic on Saturday, September 24 at Hovander Park in Ferndale.
 
Following the five regular-season meets, the postseason includes the GNAC Championships November 5 in Monmouth, Oregon and the NCAA II West Regional in Billings, Montana. The Vikings will be looking to make a return to the NCAA Championships, which will be held December 2 at Chambers Bay in University Place.
 
The complete 2022 WWU Cross Country schedule can be viewed online at wwuvikings.com/22_XC.