ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy men's and women's cross country programs under the leadership of Aaron Lanzel and Kim Lewnes announced their schedules for the upcoming 2020 season on Friday afternoon. The Mids will be in competition this fall with two dual meets, as well as a service academy tri-meet.
 
Navy's first test in 2020 will come at home on Friday, Oct. 2 when the Pitt Panthers come to Annapolis. The women will race first at 5 p.m. on the USNA Cross Country Course that runs through the Naval Academy's golf course. The men are set for head-to-head racing against the Panthers at 5:45 p.m.
 
Both programs are amongst the best in the Mid-Atlantic region as the Pitt men edged the Navy men at the 2019 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship with the Panthers placing seventh and the Mids one spot back in eighth. At the same championship meet, the Navy women came in 12th place, while Pitt was three positions back in 15th.
 
Two weeks later, both teams will welcome Army into town with the 2020 Cross Country Star on the line on Saturday, Oct. 17. The women's competition is set for a 10 a.m. start before the men hit the trails at 11 a.m. The Star Meet is part of the yearlong Army-Navy Star Series presented by USAA.
 
The Army-Navy rivalry in men's cross country dates back to 1937, while the women from Annapolis and West Point have been going head-to-head since 1986. All-time, the Navy men lead the series 50-31-1. The Navy women also hold an advantage over their counterparts from Army with a 21-13 lead.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans will not be allowed to attend either of Navy's home meets in Annapolis.
 
The final contest of the fall 2020 season is a service academy tri-meet on Friday, Nov. 6 at West Point. Runners from Air Force, Army and Navy will compete first in a women's meet and later in a men's meet. The exact time for the Nov. 6 meet will be determined at a later date.
 
"The core of the team has adapted and overcome a great deal this summer to come back ready for competition," said Lanzel. "Every day we get together is a cherished gift, so we are making the most of each opportunity under the restrictive safety measures. Getting to the start line with a full team will be a triumph, but our runners won't be content with that alone. Each of them is in the middle of a career, and continuing their progression for the future is just as important as anything else we may be able to achieve this fall. Come what may, the team will be hardening and sharpening with every chance we get to compete."
 
Lewnes shares Lanzel's excitement as the second-year head coach states that "after a long break from competition, the team is very excited for the opportunity to compete this fall. We feel very fortunate that our administration and staff are committed to creating a safe environment for our student-athletes to compete."