ROCK HILL, S.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne Men's and Women's Cross Country teams have each been picked to finish fifth in the South Atlantic Conference, as voted on by the conference coaches.
Ilias El Khattabi and
Preston Sangely were listed as the men' Runners to Watch, while
Saoirse McNulty and
Zoila Sicilia were the women's Runner to Watch.
The men look to make some noise this season with a combination of veterans and newcomers.
Ugolin Anselm, who doubles as a LR Triathlete, returns after a strong first year in the red and back last season.
Ilias El Khattabi, who ran unattached in multiple events last year, will be a key contributor, while freshman
Preston Sangely and North Florida transfer
Craig Allard round out what looks to be a strong top four. This program features five freshman, including Bandys High School product
Sean Reed.
The women boast four returners and six newcomers.
Caitlyn Christie,
Zoila Sicilia, and
Tigist Siler return following strong 2025 campaigns, while
Saoirse McNulty comes in after transferring in at semester last season.
Jordana Nunez, the former FHSAA 3A 800m champion, and Franklin High School (N.C.) graduate
Amy Mendoza Lopez will look to add depth to the squad.
Director of XC/T&F
Bob Braman and the squads will open their season on Friday, September 11, when they head down the road to Charlotte to take part in the Queen City Invite, hosted by Queens.
2026 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
1. Wingate - 121 points (11 first-place votes)
2. Anderson - 109 points (1 first-place vote)
3. Catawba - 102 points
4. Lincoln Memorial - 92 points
5. Lenoir-Rhyne - 70 points
6. Emory & Henry - 61 points
7. Mars Hill - 56 points
8. Tusculum - 55 points
9. UVA Wise - 52 points
10. Carson-Newman - 36 points
11. Newberry - 28 points
12. Coker - 11 points
2026 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
1. Wingate - 121 points (11 first-place votes)
2. Catawba - 109 points (1 first-place vote)
3. Anderson - 103 points
4. Lincoln Memorial - 97 points
5. Lenoir-Rhyne - 76 points
6. Carson-Newman - 73 points
7. Mars Hill - 62 points
8. Emory & Henry - 50 points
9. UVA Wise - 39 points
10. Tusculum - 31 points
11. Newberry - 20 points
12. Coker - 11 points
