ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst cross country team is set to kick off their 2026 season at the Doug Watts Open this upcoming Saturday, Sep. 5. Head coach Mike Williamson is looking forward to this upcoming year, looking to build upon last season.
 
The women's team are ranked fourth in preseason ranking, with returners including seniors Kaila Szczygielski and Molly McIntyre and junior Caitlin Dugan. "All-Conference Junior Caitlin Dugan is looking to pick up where she left off from her ninth overall conference finish in 2025 and Seniors Szczygielski and McIntyre are looking to leave one more impact on Mercyhurst Cross Country" said head coach Williamson.
 
Dugan looks to improve upon last season. She won NEC Rookie of the Week honors and looks to bring that momentum this upcoming season. Her best time of the year came from the Swags Louisville Cross Country Classic 5K, placing seventh overall with a time of 19:35.6. Dugan looks to help lead the women's team to high finishes, all the way through to the NEC Championship.
 
The men's team is looking to improve upon their eighth place preseason ranking this upcoming year. One of the key highlights of last year was sophomore Thomas Gaydos, who was also received All-Conference honors, NEC Prime Performer honors and rookie of the week honors.
 
"Our Men's team is looking to improve upon their eighth place conference ranking with one of the deeper teams that we have fielded in recent years. The men's team is led by reigning Mercyhurst Freshman Athlete of the Year in Thomas Gaydos and his talent is backed by veteran upperclassman that are coming off exceptional summer training seasons."
 
Results for this weekend's meet can be found here.