Gwynedd Mercy University鈥檚 Cross Country Coach Joe Dyas has unveiled the schedules for the men's and women鈥檚 teams for the fall 2026 season. The Griffins will kick off their season at the Misericordia University Invitational on September 1, with significant regional meets scheduled leading up to the Atlantic East Conference Championships on October 31. Dyas emphasized the importance of these races for assessing the team's strengths and preparing for the postseason. With a mix of familiar and new competitions, the season aims to showcase the team's young talent against national competitors.

By the Numbers
  • 2026 season opens on September 1 with 6:00 p.m. women's and 6:45 p.m. men's races at Misericordia University Invitational.
  • Atlantic East Conference Championships set for October 31, beginning at 10:00 a.m. for women and 11:00 a.m. for men.
  • Previous year鈥檚 All-AEC performers: 8th place by Conner Brennan and 11th by Sebastian DeSimone in men's race; 8th by Abigail Flannery and 13th by Ava Ezzie in women's race.
Yes, But

The team faces potential challenges in adapting to the competition dynamics at new venues and against varied rivals. Previous performances at these events highlight inconsistencies, particularly in large fields, which may impact the Griffins鈥� momentum.

State of Play
  • Teams will compete at multiple locations, beginning with early September races.
  • Consistent participation in familiar venues could leverage team experience into stronger finishes.
  • Skill development and teamwork will be pivotal as the season advances toward regional and championship meets.
What's Next

As the season unfolds, the Griffins will aim to build on each competition to solidify their standings within the conference and position themselves favorably for postseason outcomes. Anticipation grows for the Paul Short Invitational, serving as a significant regional preview on October 2.

Bottom Line

With the 2026 season on the horizon, Gwynedd Mercy University鈥檚 cross country teams must leverage both their experienced leaders and emerging talents in a challenging schedule. Capturing early momentum will be critical for both teams as they target competitive improvement and aim for success in conference and regional championships.