When Harry G. M. "Doc" Jopson took over Bridgewater College track and field in 1937, he wasted little time in creating a brand-new program. In 1938, he introduced cross country to Bridgewater. Just three years later, the Eagles were lifting a conference title when the program hoisted the 1941 Mason-Dixon Conference title.

The 1971 season saw Bridgewater win the program’s third-straight Virginia Little Eight title, and later that season the Eagles became the first Bridgewater team to advance to the NCAA Championship in any sport.

The Bridgewater women’s cross country team opened competition in 1997. During that first season, the Eagles had their first All-ODAC performer and since that time the program has been to the top of the heap in the conference. Olivia Mills became the team’s first national qualifier in 2010 and the standout went back to the national meet twice more while leading the Eagles to their first conference title in 2011. From the 2010 season through the 2014 season, the Eagles were represented at the national championship race and the program claimed the conference Runner of the Year award for four straight years.

Thank you to the Bridgewater College Offices of Athletic Media Relations and Media Relations who wrote the text from which this history was adapted.