SFA Lumberjack and Ladyjack Cross Country Teams Secure Top Spots in 2026 Southland Conference Preseason Poll
8/20/2026 2:00:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
The Lumberjacks secured 11 of the 12 first-place votes, while the Ladyjacks claimed 7 of the 12.
NACOGDOCHES, Texas- The SFA Lumberjack and Ladyjack Cross Country teams have been ranked first in the 2026 Southland Conference Preseason Poll, reflecting their standing as defending conference champions.
The Southland Conference preseason poll is voted on by either an institution's head coach or sports information director, with one vote per school. Voters rank the predicted order of regular-season finish, excluding their own institution. The 2026 Southland Conference Cross Country Championship will be held in Lake Charles, Louisiana on October 30th. The Lumberjacks secured 11 of the 12 first-place votes, while the Ladyjacks claimed 7 of the 12.
Both teams are returning strong competitors who contributed significantly to their previous successes. For the Lumberjacks, Paul Kiprotich, who earned South Central All-Region honors last season, returns alongside Ryan Binskin, both of whom were First Team All-Southland performers. Sam Golla, the reigning SLC Freshman of the Year, and Lathan Lewter, a Second Team All-Southland honoree, also return to the lineup.
The Ladyjacks are bolstered by the return of Valentine Jemutai, a South Central All-Region athlete, and First Team All-Southland performers Sharon Omwoyo and Mercy Kipchumba. Additionally, Trude Lamb, who was named Second Team All-Southland last season, adds to the team's depth and experience.
The season opener, the McNeese Opener on September 4th, holds particular significance as it will be the venue for the 2026 SLC Cross Country Championships in October. This early competition will provide both teams with valuable familiarity with the championship course.
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA XC, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.
The Southland Conference preseason poll is voted on by either an institution's head coach or sports information director, with one vote per school. Voters rank the predicted order of regular-season finish, excluding their own institution. The 2026 Southland Conference Cross Country Championship will be held in Lake Charles, Louisiana on October 30th. The Lumberjacks secured 11 of the 12 first-place votes, while the Ladyjacks claimed 7 of the 12.
Both teams are returning strong competitors who contributed significantly to their previous successes. For the Lumberjacks, Paul Kiprotich, who earned South Central All-Region honors last season, returns alongside Ryan Binskin, both of whom were First Team All-Southland performers. Sam Golla, the reigning SLC Freshman of the Year, and Lathan Lewter, a Second Team All-Southland honoree, also return to the lineup.
The Ladyjacks are bolstered by the return of Valentine Jemutai, a South Central All-Region athlete, and First Team All-Southland performers Sharon Omwoyo and Mercy Kipchumba. Additionally, Trude Lamb, who was named Second Team All-Southland last season, adds to the team's depth and experience.
The season opener, the McNeese Opener on September 4th, holds particular significance as it will be the venue for the 2026 SLC Cross Country Championships in October. This early competition will provide both teams with valuable familiarity with the championship course.
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA XC, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
Monday, November 10
Monday, October 27
Wednesday, November 20
Tuesday, October 29
