Lander University

Men's Cross Country 8/17/2026 11:00:00 AM Turner Kirby - Director of Athletic Communications

Men’s Cross Country Picked Fifth in PBC Preseason Poll

MARTINEZ, Ga. – The Lander men's cross country team was picked to finish fifth in the Peach Belt Conference preseason poll, marking the second consecutive season the Bearcats have been selected fifth in the preseason poll. The poll was voted on by the league's coaches.

Lander returns its top three finishers from the 2025 PBC Championships, with Noah Chevalier, Griffin Freeman and Jon Cummings all returning to the Bearcats' lineup for the 2026 season.

The Bearcats will race in the Carolinas for all but one meet this season, with the PBC Championships at Middle Georgia State serving as the lone exception on Nov. 7. Four of Lander's eight regular-season meets will take place in the Upstate of South Carolina, beginning with the Bruins XC Night hosted by Bob Jones on Sept. 4 and the Furman Invitational on Sept. 12.

Lander will leave the Palmetto State for back-to-back meets at the Tryon Collegiate Invitational on Sept. 25 and the Royals XC Challenge on Oct. 9.

The Blue and Gold will return to South Carolina to close the regular season, competing at the Upstate Invitational on Oct. 17 at Milliken Arboretum and the Coker Invitational on Oct. 23 in Darlington, S.C.

The Upstate Invitational will also provide the Bearcats with a preview of the NCAA Southeast Regional course, as the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships will return to Milliken Arboretum on Nov. 21.

Following the PBC Championships in Macon, Ga., Lander will conclude the season at the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships.

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Players Mentioned

Noah Chevalier: 5' 11"; Junior

Griffin Freeman: Freshman

Jon Cummings: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Noah Chevalier
: 5' 11"; Junior

Griffin Freeman
: Freshman

Jon Cummings
: Freshman