Chapel Hill, North Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Freshman runner Joe Barrett has made an impressive start to his collegiate cross country career, earning the Men’s Freshman Performer of the Week award from the ACC. His remarkable debut time of 17:58.0 not only made him the first collegiate runner to finish in his race but also contributed to the men’s team victory at the Adidas XC Challenge. With Carolina’s team scoring a remarkable 15 points, Barrett’s performance highlights a promising season ahead. Meanwhile, the Charlotte women’s team prepares for the upcoming Queen City Invite, looking to build momentum.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Freshman Joe Barrett has made his mark in his collegiate cross country career by receiving the Men’s Freshman Performer of the Week honor from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on September 23, 2025. This award recognizes Barrett’s impressive debut performance, where he clocked in at 17:58.0, securing his position as the first collegiate runner to finish in his race.
In this inaugural competition, Barrett finished second overall, leading the men’s team of Carolina to a team victory at the Adidas XC Challenge. The team achieved an outstanding score of 15 points, with five out of seven runners from Carolina placing between second and sixth. This performance marks an impressive start for Barrett, and it also represents the first ACC award for the University of North Carolina (UNC) since Parker Wolfe received the honor for a course record of 23:04.0 at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational.
The Carolina men’s cross country team showcased unity and strength in their collective performance, emphasizing their potential for the season ahead. The team’s overall success sets a high bar as they continue into the next challenges of the season.
Meanwhile, the women’s team from Charlotte is gearing up for their upcoming competition at the Queen City Invite, scheduled for September 12, 2025 at McAlpine Creek Park. This event will see the women participate in a 5K race starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by a men’s 8K race at 6:45 p.m.
Recently, the Charlotte 49ers’ men’s team claimed a victory against the No. 18 North Carolina in the Charlotte Opener, held on August 29, 2025. The women’s team was narrowly defeated by the No. 13 North Carolina, losing by just one point in that same event. Notably, Lucy Stecher secured the individual title in the women’s race, while her teammate Ella White followed closely behind. The Charlotte 49ers had a successful opener, showcasing six top-ten finishers on the men’s side, indicating a promising season for both teams.
Following the Queen City Invite, the Charlotte cross country team will participate in the Joe Piane Classic on October 3, 2025, as they look to build on their recent successes.
FAQ
Who is Joe Barrett?
Freshman Joe Barrett earned his first career conference cross country accolade.
What recognition did Joe Barrett receive?
Barrett was named Men’s Freshman Performer of the Week by the Atlantic Coast Conference on September 23, 2025.
What was Joe Barrett’s performance in his collegiate debut?
He led the way in his collegiate debut with a time of 17:58.0, finishing as the first collegiate runner to cross the finish line.
What was Barrett’s overall finish in the race?
Barrett finished second overall in the race.
How did the Carolina men’s cross country team perform in the Adidas XC Challenge?
The Carolina men’s cross country team finished first as a team with a total of 15 points.
When is the next event for the Charlotte women’s team?
The women’s team of Charlotte will compete in the Queen City Invite on September 12, 2025, at McAlpine Creek Park.
What are the race times for the upcoming Queen City Invite?
The schedule includes a women’s 5K race starting at 6:00 p.m. and a men’s 8K race at 6:45 p.m.
What notable victories did the Charlotte 49ers achieve prior to the Queen City Invite?
The Charlotte 49ers’ men’s team previously won against No. 18 North Carolina in the Charlotte Opener, held on August 29, 2025.
What was the outcome of the women’s event during the Charlotte Opener?
The women’s team was edged out by No. 13 North Carolina by just one point in the Charlotte Opener.
Who won the individual title in the women’s race of the Charlotte Opener?
Lucy Stecher won the individual crown in the women’s race, followed closely by her teammate Ella White.
What was the performance of the Charlotte 49ers in the opener?
The Charlotte 49ers had a successful opener with six top-10 finishers on the men’s side.
What is the next event for the Charlotte cross country team?
The next event after the Queen City Invite for the Charlotte cross country team is the Joe Piane Classic on October 3, 2025.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Athlete | Joe Barrett |
| Award | Men’s Freshman Performer of the Week |
| Conference | Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) |
| Date of Recognition | September 23, 2025 |
| Performance Time | 17:58.0 |
| Finish Place | 2nd Overall |
| Carolina Team Points | 15 points |
| Next Race for Charlotte Women’s Team | Queen City Invite on September 12, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Charlotte 49ers News
- Upstate Spartans News
- UNC Tar Heels News
- Gwinnett Daily Post
- Charlotte 49ers News
- Wikipedia: Cross Country Running
- Google Search: Cross Country
- Google Scholar: Cross Country Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cross Country
- Google News: Cross Country Events
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