MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Southern New Hampshire University men's and women's cross country teams will open the 2025 season on Saturday at the 43rd annual Shacklette Invitational, hosted by Saint Anselm College. The women's 6k is set for 10 a.m., followed by the men's 8k at 11 a.m.

The Penmen enter a new era under head coach Kelly Vincent, who also joins the women's track & field staff as an assistant coach. Vincent arrives in Manchester following four highly successful years as Associate Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field at SUNY Oneonta.

"I am extremely honored to be named the next head cross country coach at Southern New Hampshire University, and I am thankful to Lex Butler for the opportunity to lead this group of distance runners into a new era," Vincent said. "My ultimate goal is to build this program on respect, consistency, and excellence—both in the classroom and on the course. SNHU has all the resources to grow into a top Division II program in the nation, and I am excited for what's to come."

Saturday's meet will give SNHU an early look at the course that will also host the Northeast 10 Championships on October 26. Vincent has pre-entered seven women and seven men for the season opener.

"Our goals as a team are simple—be among the top programs in the Northeast 10 and East Region, while continuing to grow and develop together," Vincent added. "We're a small group, but these athletes are hungry for success and have bought into my coaching style. The next few weeks will be about building team chemistry, stacking consistency, and gaining confidence. We want to be at our best when championship season arrives."

SNHU last competed in the Shacklette in 2023.

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