NO. ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Southern New Hampshire University men's cross country team has been predicted to finish eighth this season. The preseason poll has the Penmen with 22 points by a vote of the Northeast 10 men's cross country coaches.

Southern Connecticut State University (64) received eight of the nine first-place votes and was selected to finish first. Franklin Pierce University (50) was picked second, ahead of Bentley University (44), which received the other first-place vote, Adelphi University (42) and Saint Michael's College (39). Rounding out the poll, Assumption University (31) was picked sixth, ahead of Saint Anselm College (24), SNHU (22) and American International College (8).

Head Cross Country Coach Kelly Vincent, entering his second season, and Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Lex Butler have a roster of nine runners, including three freshmen. Senior Eric Sekyaya (Burlington, Mass.), a two-time All-Region performer, returns to lead the Penmen. Seniors Alex Labreque (Hooksett, N.H.) and Brett Trainor (North Chelmsford, Mass.) also return, along with sophomore Jackson Bock (Danbury, Conn.) 

Newcomers include junior Aiden Gibson (Paso Robles, Calif.), sophomore Landon Graveline (Northwood, N.H.), and freshmen Marcus Clark (Kensington, N.H.), Brady Harker (Hill, N.H.) and Ross Wallace (Garden City, N.Y.).

The Penmen will open the 2026 season at the Shacklette Invitational, hosted by Saint Anselm College, on Saturday, September 5 at 10:45 a.m. in Manchester, N.H. The Northeast 10 Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Saturday, November 7.

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