NEW ORLEANS — The Adams State men's and women's cross country programs will begin the 2026 season among the nation's best following the release of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NCAA Division II Preseason National Coaches' Polls.
The Grizzly women enter the season ranked No. 2 in the nation, while the Adams State men hold the No. 3 position.
Women Ranked No. 2
Adams State received 234 points and three first-place votes in the women's poll. The Grizzlies finished one point behind defending national champion Grand Valley State, which claimed the top spot with 235 points. Wingate sits third, followed by Colorado School of Mines and Western Colorado.
The Grizzlies return 2025 NCAA Division II individual national champion Tristian Spence. Spence captured the 6-kilometer national title in 20 minutes, 11 seconds last November.
Ava O'Connor also returns after placing eighth at the 2025 national championship. Spence and O'Connor helped Adams State finish fourth in the team standings and win the NCAA South Central Regional title.
Men Ranked No. 3
The Adams State men begin the season at No. 3 following their runner-up finish at the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championships.
Defending national champion Wingate holds the No. 1 ranking, while Colorado School of Mines sits second. Adams State, Grand Valley State, and Western Colorado complete the national top five.
The Grizzlies finished only nine points behind Wingate at last year's national championship. Adams State scored 71 points and placed four runners among the top 23.
Adams State also captured the 2025 RMAC and NCAA South Central Regional championships. Jack Gumm and Danyom Yosief earned spots on the 2026 Preseason All-RMAC Team as the Grizzlies prepare for another national title pursuit.
National Contenders
The rankings place both Adams State programs in the national top three entering the season. The women seek the program's 22nd NCAA Division II national championship, while the men pursue their 14th national title.
Up Next
Adams State opens the 2026 season at home with the 33rd Joe I. Vigil Open on Saturday, Sept. 12. The meet will take place at Cattails Golf Course in Alamosa.
