The Rockhurst University men's cross country team was picked to finish seventh in the 2026 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference office announced Tuesday (August 25).

The Hawks received 63 points in the preseason poll, which was voted on by the league's head coaches. Lewis was selected as the preseason favorite with 121 points, followed by Missouri S&T (105), Illinois Springfield (100), Drury (94), Indianapolis (82) and Southwest Baptist (68).

Rockhurst finished seventh at the 2025 GLVC Championships and returns a veteran group for the 2026 season. The Hawks have 10 seniors on the roster, bringing valuable experience as the team looks to move up the conference standings and make an impact throughout the season.

Rockhurst will open the 2026 season on Saturday (Sept. 5) at the Bob Timmons Rim Rock Classic in Lawrence, KS. The meet will mark the beginning of the Hawks' championship-season push as they prepare for the GLVC Championships later this fall.

2026 GLVC Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll

Lewis — 121 (11 first-place votes)
Missouri S&T — 105 (1)
Illinois Springfield — 100
Drury — 94
Indianapolis — 82
Southwest Baptist — 68
Rockhurst — 63
Maryville — 48
Truman State — 39
Missouri-St. Louis — 32
McKendree — 27
Quincy — 13