KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Pittsburg State University men's and women's cross country teams were tabbed as preseason favorites in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Polls released Friday (Aug. 28).

The Pitt State women have captured seven of the last eight MIAA crowns, including the past three titles. The Gorillas received seven first-place votes and 138 points to land at No. 1 in the poll. Rogers State received three first-place votes and 128 points to earn the No. 2 spot. Nebraska-Kearney and Missouri Southern each garnered a first-place vote and settled at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, with 116 and 107 points.

The Pitt State men have claimed two of the last five MIAA Championships and the veteran squad was selected the 2026 preseason favorite with five first-place votes and 114 points to edge Washburn for the top spot. The Ichabods received three first-place votes and 108 points.

The Gorillas will make their season debut next Thursday (Sept. 3) by traveling to Tulsa, Okla., to take part in the Distance After Dark Meet hosted by Rogers State.