CUMBERLAND, Md. – The Allegany College of Maryland Cross Country program wrapped up the 2026 season after competing in six meets throughout the fall, highlighted by steady improvement from a young, freshman-led roster.
Under the direction of head coach
Will Giles, the Trojans opened their campaign at the Westmoreland Wolfpack Invitational before competing locally at the Catamount Classic in Ridgeley, West Virginia. ACM continued its season at the Hornet Harrier Invitational in Winchester, Virginia, and the Great Allegany Run before traveling to Pennsylvania for the Pitt-Greensburg Fall Classic.
The season culminated at the NJCAA Region 20 Championships, where the Trojans faced some of the region's top competition.
Freshman
Jerrod Griffin represented Allegany on the men's side, finishing 29th overall with a time of 55:21.1 at the Region 20 Championships.
The women's squad featured three freshmen runners who continued to improve throughout the season.
Layna Bradley led the Trojans at the regional meet with a 26th-place finish in 36:14.4.
Taylor Fletcher followed in 27th place with a time of 38:35.6, while
Sierra Jackson crossed the finish line in 45:05.9 to place 29th.
Following the regional championships, the Trojans closed out the season at the Narrow Way race in Cumberland. Fletcher posted a personal-record time of 32:53.9, while Bradley also recorded a personal best of 33:21.8. Jackson added a strong finish in 42:57.4, highlighting the growth the team achieved throughout the season.
"This group embraced every challenge that came their way this season," said Giles. "For a team made up entirely of freshmen, I was impressed by their commitment to improving each week and their willingness to compete. They gained valuable experience throughout the fall, and I am excited to see how they build on that foundation moving forward."
Although young in experience, the Trojans demonstrated perseverance and commitment from the opening race through the final meet of the year. With every runner on the roster competing as a freshman, ACM gained valuable collegiate racing experience that will serve as a foundation for future success.
As the program looks ahead to next season, the Trojans return a core group of runners who showed consistent improvement and determination throughout the 2026 campaign.
Season Participants
