CASE SUMMARY
The King's College men's and women's cross country programs enter the 2026 season with excitement surrounding both squads as the Monarchs return experienced runners and continue building momentum from a successful track and field season.
 
For the men's team, one of the biggest storylines will be the opportunity to capitalize on experience, with all of the team's top runners returning from last season. On the women's side, the Monarchs will look to build upon a strong pack-running identity while searching for one or two runners who can emerge as front-runners within the lineup.
 
"With our men's team returning all of their top runners from last season, I'm excited to see what kind of improvement will be made from last year," head coach Mike Kolinovsky said. "Our women's team has a solid pack of runners, I'm hoping one or two athletes step up and give us a true top runner."
 
 
PROGRAM OUTLOOK
King's returns a talented group of runners across both squads heading into the season.
 
On the men's side, Preston Klem, Cohen Claar, and Ben Wnuk headline a veteran group that will be counted on to lead the Monarchs as they continue to develop. Their experience and familiarity with one another should provide a strong foundation for the team's success.
 
For the women, Sarah Hartzell, Evelyn Sahd, and Lindsey Eyer lead a group that has demonstrated consistency and resilience throughout recent seasons. Combined with a deep supporting cast, the Monarchs believe they are positioned to continue making strides this fall.
 
The combination of returning experience throughout both programs provides optimism as the Monarchs prepare to tackle another demanding cross country season.
 
 
MONARCH NOTES
Depth and experience stand out as defining characteristics of this year's teams.
"On the women's side our depth is our strength," Kolinovsky said. "Last year, we had one through five finish within 85 seconds at the Conference Championships. I believe our top runners will be packed up again this season."
 
On the men's side, continuity has become a major asset.
"On the Men's side we return all of our top runners," Kolinovsky said. "I am excited to see what they can do if healthy."
 
Those strengths give both squads a solid foundation as they pursue continued growth throughout the season.
 
 
SEASON PROGRESSION
Kolinovsky has been encouraged by the development displayed throughout the track and field season and believes that progress will translate to the cross country course.
"I think we've seen a lot of progression throughout the Track & Field season by most of the athletes," Kolinovsky said. "I am excited to see what they do this season."
 
The Monarchs hope that momentum, combined with a summer of training and preparation, will allow both teams to take another step forward in 2026.
 

THE ROAD AHEAD
While every meet provides an opportunity for growth and evaluation, the focus remains squarely on the championship portion of the schedule.
 
The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championships and NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship competitions will serve as the benchmarks for both programs as they look to measure their progress against some of the region's top competition.
 
 
MISSION STATEMENT
For Kolinovsky, the message entering the season is simplE:
"Just keep working."
 
That mindset has helped shape both programs as the Monarchs continue to build consistency through training, competition, and daily improvement. After a year that saw significant progress throughout the cross country and track & field seasons, the Monarchs believe continued dedication to the process will ultimately lead to results.
 
"If we can stay healthy, I believe both squads will be much improved," Kolinovsky said.
 
With experienced runners returning, proven depth throughout the lineup, and continued development across both programs, King's enters the 2026 season eager to build upon last year's foundation and compete at a higher level.