2025 Union Cross Country Season Preview

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – With the 2025 season set to begin, the Union Commonwealth University cross country teams are eager to build momentum behind a strong summer of training and new leaders emerging on both the men's and women's sides.

Head Coach Chris Jelks enters the year with high expectations for both programs.

"My expectations for the men's team is to improve on our times from last year," Jelks said. "My guys are looking forward to the season to start this week, and I am eager to see how the workouts have paid off."

On the men's side, junior runner Connor Partin discussed his expectations for both himself and the team. 

"I hold myself to a high standard of accountability and integrity," Partin said. "I expect the team to commit to continuous improvement, always striving to be better than they were yesterday. My job as a leader is to set clear goals and hold everyone accountable for meeting them."

Jelks also shared his outlook for the women's team. 

"The women's team is stronger this year with some key additions to the roster, and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do," he said.

Junior runner Jasmine Clouse, a recognized leader for the women's team, explained what she expects from her teammates this year. 

"This season, I expect us to push each other to be the best version of ourselves we can be," Clouse said. "I want us to compete hard but also create a loving and fun environment."

Jelks praised the effort his teams have put in during preseason workouts.

 "The practices and training have gone great, and the young men and women have stuck to their training. I'm ready to get started," he said.

Clouse highlighted the role of effort and positivity in daily practices. 

"In practice, I try to lead by example with effort and positivity, making sure we stay focused but also enjoy the process together," she said.

Partin added that consistent training has helped set the tone for the season. 

"If we push ourselves in practice and demand excellence from ourselves, we form a sense of unity, and that is when all of our hard work pays off," he said.

Both Jelks and his athletes emphasized the importance of stepping into leadership roles this season.

"For the men, Connor has stepped into a leader position, and he's been waiting since track season to get back to cross country," Jelks said. "For the women, Jasmine has done a great job stepping up as a leader."

Partin reflected on what being a leader means to him. 

"Being named a leader on this team is a huge blessing, and I am honored that Coach Jelks sees that I have the qualities to help bring this team to the next level. Training with this team so far this season has been a blast. It makes me want to be a better leader every single day," he said.

Clouse described her leadership style and how she supports her teammates during meets. 

"I want to help my teammates believe in themselves, reminding them of the work we've put in and the goals we will achieve in the future. I lead by example while also being approachable and encouraging," she said.

Union opens its 2025 cross country season Friday, Aug. 29, at the BCCC Cross Country Jamboree, hosted at Alumni Fields in Berea, Ky.