BURNSVILLE, MN – University of Mary men's cross country was picked to finish 4^th in the Northern Sun's preseason coaches' poll. Junior standout Gideon Hammah was picked as the team's Athlete to Watch for the second straight season.

The Marauders finished 4^th at the NSIC Championships last season and will have three of their five point-scorers back this year. Hammah placed 9^th to earn All-NSIC honors. Nick Lind placed 41^st, and Joseph Ringhand placed 57^th.

"The men's team is off and training exceptionally well and working together to get there," said UMary Track and Field/Cross Country Program Director Cale Korbelik. "They are hungry to move up in the conference this year and if we continue to see what we have seen this summer, they may very well do so!"

Hammah, the team's Athlete to Watch, is coming off a stellar sophomore year, finishing 9^th at the NSIC Cross Country Championships last season. He also became the first Marauder to earn conference Athlete of the Week honors since 2021 after compiling three consecutive top-five finishes.

"Gideon has been working extremely hard this offseason," said Korbelik. "He has been a great teammate and pushing the guys to their peak potential every step of the way. His dedication this offseason will truly show this XC season."

Hammah went on to win the 800m at the NSIC Outdoor Championships while setting school records in the 800m, 1000m, 1500m, and Mile during track and field season.

UMary will be hosting three meets this season following an intrasquad scrimmage at McDowell Dam on Sept. 5. The Marauders Home Opener will take place Sept. 11, the Marauders Mini Meet will occur on Oct. 16, and the Marauders Tune-Up will be on Oct. 23. All home meets are held at McDowell Dam in Bismarck, ND.

Sioux Falls, SD, will be the host site of both the NSIC Championships on Nov. 6 and the NCAA Central Region Championships on Nov. 21. The NCAA National Championships will be held on Dec. 5 in Lawrence, KS.

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