WILKES-BARRE - As the 2026 season approaches, the Wilkes University men's and women's cross country teams are set under new leadership of head coach Paul Hoda and assistant coach Ali Elsesser. 

The Colonel's men's team kicks off their season today, September 1 at the Misericordia Invitational in Dallas, Pa. The team welcomes a group of returners as well as incoming first-years who are looking to make a positive impact this season. 

Seniors Daniel Elkin (West Wyoming, PA/Wyoming Area), Brett Martinez (Hanover Township, PA/Hanover Area), and sophomore Thomas Majkowski (White Haven, PA/Wyoming Seminary) bring leadership to the squad as they take first-years Josh Cackowski (Nanticoke, PA/Holy Redeemer), Rowen Goelz (York, PA/Suburban), Lesley Griglak (Great Meadows, NJ/Hackettstown), and Damian Muffolini (Nutley, NJ/Nutley) under their wings. Returning junior Jack Thompson (Hatboro, PA/Hatboro-Horsham) is expected to be a key performer looking for his third career All-Conference honor. Thompson achieved a personal best 8k time of 25:32.22, placing eleventh in the Landmark Championship. 

The women's team is also set to open the season at the Misericordia Invitational. Junior Ava Bailor (Brogue, PA/Red Lion) is expected to lead the team after a strong showing last season, with a season's best 6k time of 25:05.53 at the Landmark Championships. Returners AnnaBeth Glass (Douglassville, PA/Daniel Boone Area), Julia Lewis (Hanover Township, PA/Wyoming Seminary), and Ava O'Shield (Hoschton, GA/Mill Creek) look to continue to perform out on the course while also adding incoming first-year Brianna Wright (Harveys Lake, PA/Lake Lehman). 

The Colonels will face a difficult schedule, including the Cougar Classic on September 12, Lock Haven Open on September 26, and Jack Saint Clair Memorial on October 10. The season will conclude with the Landmark Conference Championships on October 31 and the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional on November 14. 

With a mix of veterans and incoming first-years, both the men's and women's teams are ready to compete throughout the 2026 season, striving to achieve personal bests and set new standards in the Landmark Conference.