On Wednesday, the Ohio Valley Conference announced its Cross Country Runners to Watch ahead of the 2026 season. Lindenwood student-athletes Isaac Ndiwa and Makenna Smith earned recognition.

Ndiwa had an outstanding 2025 campaign, posting three top 10 finishes, including taking the top spot during the 8k with a time of 25:07.10. As a result, he was named the OVC Runner of the Week.

During the 2025 season, Smith competed in six meets with her best finish being 21^st at the Walt Crawford Open with a time of 23:25.2.

Smith, Ndiwa, and the rest of the Lions open the season on Friday, September 4 at the Redhawks Invitational in Cape Girardeau, Mo.