The Calvin University men's cross country team tied for first place in the MIAA Preseason Poll released by the conference on Thursday.
In the preseason poll voted by the coaches across the conference, Calvin tied with Hope College with 12 total points. The Knights finished with three first-place votes compared to four for Hope. Trine University came in third in the poll with 15 points.
Calvin finished the 2024 season by earning its 37th consecutive MIAA men's cross country championship at its home course and then won the Great Lakes Regional two weeks later for the program's first regional championship since 2019.
"In what looks to be the most competitive cross country season in MIAA history, our team is ready to seize the opportunities ahead," head cross country coach
Nicole Kramer said. "Our captains and upperclassmen have set the tone with the whole squad through their consistent training, perseverance and communication leading up to the start of the semester. Every athlete is bought in and prepared to work towards our main priorities and goals for the season, including our 14 newcomers to the program. We're excited to get started!"
While the Knights lost a number of key runners from last year's roster to graduation,
Vaughn Meyer (Dexter, Mich./Dexter),
Ryan Sarkett (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair),
Garrett Mowry (Carmel, Ind./Westfield),
Abe VanDuinen (Petwater, Mich./Pentwater Public),
Jonathan Koetje (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian),
Pierce Bentley (Kalamazoo, Mich./Otsego) and
Caleb Schillinger (North Liberty, Iowa/Liberty) are some of the returning runners looking to step forward into key roles heading into the season.
Calvin cross country will open the 2025 season on Friday, August 29, when it runs in the Comet Open at The University of Olivet.
2025-26 MIAA Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll Results:
T1. Hope College (12 points, four first-place votes)
T1. Calvin University (12 points, three first-place votes)
3. Trine University (15 points)
4. Kalamazoo College (25 points)
5. Adrian College (31 points)
6. Albion College (39 points)
T7. Alma College (45 points)
T7. The University of Olivet (45 points)
