The Greenville University men's cross country program has won nine consecutive conference titles but with the graduation of seven All-Conference runners from last year, the Panthers will be counting on their underclassmen to continue the title run. Meanwhile, after going through their own youth movements, Principia College and Webster University are primed to take the next step in their program development.
Greenville University has won nine straight SLIAC Championships and is the favorite again in 2025, collecting 60 total points and four first-place votes. The Panthers lost their top 10 finishers from last year's team, including five-time SLIAC individual champion Gianni Estrada. Mason Clayton, who placed 18th at last year's championship, will head up the list of returners for Head Coach Brian Patton. Luiz Zavala, who was injured last fall, is expected to be fully healthy this year. Among the newcomers to look for are Kaiden Einhorn, Kyle Cooley, Will Patzia, and Avery Brock.
After four straight years of finishing in the top three of the conference, Principia College is looking to take that next step. They received 55 total points from league coaches with two first-place votes, tying for second in the preseason poll. Zach Proctor is one of three All-Conference runners returning for Principia. He earned First-Team honors last fall with teammates Holland Thomas and Kennett Rampley both picking up Second-Team honors. Head Coach Justin Halley brings in four new faces to the program, including Amos Ostler.
After going through a youth movement that saw the Gorloks place 3rd last season, Webster University is expected to again be near the top of the league, totaling 55 points and three first-place votes in the preseason poll. A two-time First Team All-Conference runner, Ethan Nieroda is one of the top returning runners in the league. Johnny Imboden and Jacob Hawkins give the Gorloks a strong lineup while newcomers Brayden Halter, Simon Muthemba, and Tyler Mooney add to the depth for head coach Kyle Robinson.
Spalding University was picked 4th in the poll with 42 points. Head Coach Stephen Gray has plenty of experience at the top of his roster. Wyatt Frye is back for his senior season while Noah Stinson, Caleb Stinson, and Tobias Rice all have championship race experience as well.
Lyon College received 35 points in the preseason voting, placing 5th on the poll. The Scots were 6th in last year's championship and return four runners from last fall. Collin Orvin, Gavin Bush, Danny Thomas, and Jakobe Alcorn give the program the experience while head coach Adam Trausch brings two freshmen into the program.
With 27 total points, Eureka College comes in at #6 on the preseason poll. The Red Devils are coming off a 4th place showing at last year's championship, but head coach Chris Robinson has to reload. Still, he has two strong runners returning in all-conference runner Bailey Webster and team captain Jose Amador. Cole Glover is new to the program and should push for top times in the Red Devil program.
MUW picked up 17 points from league coaches, tying for 7th on the preseason poll. Head Coach Dedrick Burnett will build his lineup around Noel Kellum. The sophomore picked up experience last fall and will lead the Owls this year. Among the top newcomers for the program are Jarvis Sellers, Samuel Lamy, Bryson Boler, and Jaylin Shelton.
Also tying for 7th on the poll was Blackburn College with 17 points. Head Coach Noah Daum leads an experienced group of runners while bringing some newcomers who should make an immediate impact on the program. Collyn Oberkfell is a natural leader and heads up the list of returners. Also back are Uli Espinoza, Kobe Patton, and Scott Cuff. Izaiah Watkins and Sam Schoeneweis are two new Beavers expected to help build the program.
Westminster College received 16 points in the voting, placing 9th on the poll. Henry Warfel is the top returner for the Blue Jays and will give the team plenty of experience as he enters his junior season. Two newcomers that add depth to the lineup for the Blue Jays are Levi Brandt and John Higgins.