Bearkat Twilight XC Meet
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The offices of Acosta & Johns Law officially opened Friday evening.
Representing North American University in the 2026 season opener at the Bearkat Twilight XC Meet, freshman Abbot Acosta and sophomore Tyler Johns presented the Stallions' first case of the year and delivered a promising opening argument against a field featuring NCAA Division I and Division II competition. [mychiptime.com]
While the final verdict on the 2026 season remains months away, Stallion fans have learned not to judge the case on opening statements alone. Last year's team made a habit of saving its best performances for the championship stretch, steadily improving throughout the fall before reaching peak form on the road to the USCAA National Championships. Friday's race served as the first piece of evidence in what NAU hopes will be another successful campaign.
Acosta wasted little time making his presence felt in his collegiate debut. The freshman crossed the finish line in 18:32.2, earning a 24th-place finish overall while averaging 5:56 per mile over the 5K course. Against runners from Sam Houston, Texas A&M-Kingsville, and Prairie View A&M, Acosta showed composure well beyond his experience level and established himself as North American University's top finisher on the evening.
For a first collegiate race, Acosta's performance offered plenty of encouragement. The freshman remained competitive throughout the race and finished less than two and a half minutes behind the event winner despite competing in one of the strongest fields the Stallions will face this season. His debut provides NAU with a strong foundation to build upon as the season progresses. [mychiptime.com]
Johns followed as the Stallions' second finisher, completing the course in 20:20.3 to place 27th overall while averaging 6:31 per mile. The sophomore served as the veteran representative for the young Stallion squad and once again demonstrated the determination and consistency that have become trademarks of his running career at NAU.
After gaining valuable experience during his freshman season, Johns entered 2026 with a greater understanding of the demands of collegiate cross country. Friday's result gives him a benchmark from which to improve, and if recent program history is any indication, meaningful gains are still ahead as the season unfolds. The Stallions have traditionally grown stronger with each race, and Johns will play a key role in leading that progression. [mychiptime.com]
The season opener rarely tells the entire story. Instead, it establishes a starting point. For North American University, that starting point includes an impressive collegiate debut from Acosta, a steady performance from Johns, and the belief that the strongest chapters of the season are still waiting to be written.
North American University Men's Results
Up Next
The Stallions return to action on Friday, Sept. 11 at 9:00 a.m. when they travel across Houston for competition at Rice University. After filing their first case of the season in Huntsville, Acosta & Johns Law will look to add more supporting evidence as North American University continues its journey toward championship season.
The verdict? Case No. 1 is complete. Court will reconvene at Rice.
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