HENNIKER, N.H. - Ahead of the 2026 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Cross Country Championships on Sunday, November 1st, the conference office released a Pre-Championship Poll as voted upon by the GNAC's head coaches.  

The NEC men's team was voted to finish tenth, receiving 18 total points. The Saint Joseph's (ME) Monks were voted first, earning 95 total points and eight out of the ten first place votes, while the Norwich Cadets received the other two first place votes and were voted second with 90 points. Filling out the top five were Emmanuel, Lasell, and then host Colby-Sawyer. The other four teams before the Pilgrims were Dean, Regis, Elms, and then Mitchell. 

The women's team was voted ninth out of 11 teams, receiving 32 points. The Emmanuel College Saints lead the poll with 116 total points and eight first place nominees. The Monks were not far behind with 111 points and three first place votes. Norwich, Colby-Sawyer, and Simmons rounded out the top five, followed by Regis, Lasell, and Elms. The 'Grims were ranked ahead of Mitchell and Dean. 

Hosted by Colby-Sawyer College, the 2026 GNAC Championships will begin at 12:00 PM on Sunday, November 1st, with the women's 6K race, followed by the men's 8K at 1:30. 

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