Rockhurst cross country returns to action Friday (Sept. 11) night as the Hawks compete in the inaugural Queen City After Dark at Allison Sports Town in Springfield, Missouri.

The meet, co-hosted by Missouri State, Drury and Evangel in coordination with Allison Sports Town, will provide Rockhurst with another early-season opportunity to compete against a large field, with 16 college teams scheduled to take part.

The women's 5K is scheduled for 9:15 p.m., followed by the men's 6K at 9:45 p.m.

Rockhurst enters the meet after strong showings at the Bob Timmons Rim Rock Cross Country Classic. The women's team placed third overall against a field that included NCAA Division I programs, while the men's team finished fifth with 160 points.

Junior Carrington Hessen headlines the women's squad after earning the first GLVC Runner of the Week honor in Rockhurst women's cross country history. Hessen finished fourth overall at Rim Rock with a program-record 18:14.5 in the 5K, ranking as the top non-Division I finisher in a field of 66 competitors. Her performance helped the Hawks finish third among seven teams with 69 points. Natalie Hawthorne also placed inside the top 10 at Rim Rock, finishing ninth in 19:14.9.

On the men's side, freshman Elijah Smith led Rockhurst at Rim Rock with a 33rd-place finish in 19:54.6 over 6K. Andrew Hartegan was close behind in 38th at 20:06.8, while Carter Tomac finished 39th in 20:08.2.

The Queen City After Dark will also feature food trucks and a fireworks show prior to the start of the women's 5K, adding to the atmosphere surrounding the inaugural event.