INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Horizon League Conference Office announced the 2026 Under Armour #HLXC Preseason Poll results, with the RMU women's cross country team selected fourth and the men's team selected seventh in their respective polls.
WOMEN'S XC
The RMU women's cross country team was selected fourth out of 12 teams, receiving 101 points in the preseason voting after finishing eighth at last season's Horizon League Championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The Colonials return 10 runners from last season, including Julia Dill and Samantha Hennen, while adding four freshmen to round out the 2026 roster.
2026 Under Armour Women's #HLXC Preseason Poll
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Youngstown State – 140
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Oakland – 119
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Purdue Fort Wayne – 105
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RMU – 101
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Milwaukee – 95
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IU Indianapolis – 87
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Green Bay – 83
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Northern Kentucky – 61
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NIU – 48
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Detroit Mercy – 35
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Wright State – 32
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Cleveland State – 30
MEN'S XC
The RMU men's cross country team was selected seventh out of 10 teams, receiving 34 points in the preseason voting. The Colonials finished eighth out of 10 teams at last season's Horizon League Championship with 184 points.
The 2026 roster features 10 returning runners, while four freshmen join the team for the upcoming season.
2026 Under Armour Men's #HLXC Preseason Poll
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Youngstown State – 99
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IU Indianapolis – 85
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Oakland – 77
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Green Bay – 73
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Wright State – 53
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Detroit Mercy – 44
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RMU – 34
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Purdue Fort Wayne – 31
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Northern Kentucky – 29
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Milwaukee – 25
2026 HORIZON LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Colonials will host the 2026 Horizon League Cross Country Championship on Oct. 31 at Youthetown Fields in Clinton, Pa.
SEASON OPENER
RMU will kick off the 2026 season at the Pitt Invitational on Friday morning in Pittsburgh. The men will open the invitational at the Schenley Park Oval at 8:45 a.m., followed by the women at 9:10 a.m.
