Photo by: Jim Fritz
Pioneers Placed Seventh in the Preseason Coaches' Poll
8/25/2026 10:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University men's cross-country team was selected seventh in the 2026 Metro Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the conference Tuesday morning.
Iona claimed the top spot in the poll with 169 total points and all 13 first-place votes. Marist followed in second with 143 points, while Siena rounded out the top three with 141 points.
Rider was selected fourth with 128 points, followed by Merrimack in fifth with 105 points. Canisius came in sixth with 102 points, just ahead of Sacred Heart in seventh with 80 points.
Quinnipiac and Manhattan tied for eighth with 72 points apiece, while Fairfield rounded out the top 10 with 70 points. Niagara was selected 11th with 44 points, followed by Mount St. Mary's with 33 points and Saint Peter's with 23 points.
Men's Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Iona 169 (13)
2. Marist 143
3. Siena 141
4. Rider 128
5. Merrimack 105
6. Canisius 102
7. Sacred Heart 80
T8. Quinnipiac 72
T8. Manhattan 72
10. Fairfield 70
11. Niagara 44
12. Mount St. Mary's 33
13. Saint Peter's 23
Iona claimed the top spot in the poll with 169 total points and all 13 first-place votes. Marist followed in second with 143 points, while Siena rounded out the top three with 141 points.
Rider was selected fourth with 128 points, followed by Merrimack in fifth with 105 points. Canisius came in sixth with 102 points, just ahead of Sacred Heart in seventh with 80 points.
Quinnipiac and Manhattan tied for eighth with 72 points apiece, while Fairfield rounded out the top 10 with 70 points. Niagara was selected 11th with 44 points, followed by Mount St. Mary's with 33 points and Saint Peter's with 23 points.
Men's Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Iona 169 (13)
2. Marist 143
3. Siena 141
4. Rider 128
5. Merrimack 105
6. Canisius 102
7. Sacred Heart 80
T8. Quinnipiac 72
T8. Manhattan 72
10. Fairfield 70
11. Niagara 44
12. Mount St. Mary's 33
13. Saint Peter's 23
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