Northern Sun Releases Cross Country Preseason Polls
8/19/2026 2:40:00 PM | Women's Cross Country, Men's Cross Country
Kirenga, Nunez named NSIC Preseason Athletes to Watch
BURNSVILLE, Minn. – St. Cloud State Men's and Women's Country were both selected to finish 15th in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Coaches' Polls, as announced by the league office on Wednesday. Additionally, senior Chris Kirenga and junior Abbygail Nunez (South St. Paul, Minn.) were named the Huskies preseason 'Athletes to Watch' by the NSIC.
The SCSU men were picked to finish 15th in the NSIC their return to competition for the first time since 2015.
"The men's cross country team returns to competition this fall for the first time in more than a decade, marking an exciting new chapter for the program," said fourth-year head coach Gabrielle Brown. "The Huskies are excited to welcome their new team and new coach."
Kirenga looks to lead the program in its return to the course in 2026.
"Chris has quickly embraced the challenge and is ready to make an impact in his senior year," said Brown. "With a strong work ethic, steady improvement, and determination to compete, he's an athlete to watch as he continues to grow and contribute to the team's success this fall."
The women's squad was selected 15th in the Northern Sun after a 16th place at last year's conference championship meet.
"The team this year is very exciting for my staff," said Brown. "We have a healthy mix of both returners who will carry on the culture that has already been established. Along with that, we are adding a very talented group of first-years that will enhance our program tremendously."
Nunez looks to build off the momentum she built during the indoor and outdoor track & field seasons in which she set new personal bests in the 600 meters (indoor), 800 meters (outdoor), mile (indoor), 1,500 meters (outdoor) and 3,000 steeplechase (outdoor).
"We are very excited to see what Abby can do on the course this season," said Brown. "Coming off two years of collegiate experience now, we are excited to see how she can translate that experience into times throughout the year. Abby will also be taking a leadership role on the team, which will help her as she heads toward a breakout season on the course."
Both squads will begin their 2026 season on Friday, Sept. 4 at the Augustana Twilight at Yankton Park Trail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
NSIC RELEASE (MEN) | NSIC RELEASE (WOMEN) | MEN'S SCHEDULE | WOMEN'S SCHEDULE | SCHEDULE RELEASE
Men's Cross Country History
Before returning in 2026, men's cross country was previously sponsored at SCSU for 52 seasons from 1964-2015 and enjoyed a dominate stretch in its first two-plus decades. The Huskies won 11 conference titles and earned national runner-up finishes at the 1967 NAIA National Championships and the 1983 NCAA Division-II National Championships. The second-place finishes were the school's top national championship finishes until the wrestling team won its first national title in 2015. Individually, SCSU had 11 runners achieve All-American status a total of 22 times across NAIA and NCAA competition with Van Nelson (1965, 1966, 1967) and Kurt Threinen (1982) earning the highest individual finishes at third overall. Additionally, eight Huskies won 14 individual conference championships, including most recently Nick Hirsch capturing the 2004 NCC title.
MEN'S PROGRAM RETURN ANNOUNCEMENT
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Cross Country, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The SCSU men were picked to finish 15th in the NSIC their return to competition for the first time since 2015.
"The men's cross country team returns to competition this fall for the first time in more than a decade, marking an exciting new chapter for the program," said fourth-year head coach Gabrielle Brown. "The Huskies are excited to welcome their new team and new coach."
Kirenga looks to lead the program in its return to the course in 2026.
"Chris has quickly embraced the challenge and is ready to make an impact in his senior year," said Brown. "With a strong work ethic, steady improvement, and determination to compete, he's an athlete to watch as he continues to grow and contribute to the team's success this fall."
The women's squad was selected 15th in the Northern Sun after a 16th place at last year's conference championship meet.
"The team this year is very exciting for my staff," said Brown. "We have a healthy mix of both returners who will carry on the culture that has already been established. Along with that, we are adding a very talented group of first-years that will enhance our program tremendously."
Nunez looks to build off the momentum she built during the indoor and outdoor track & field seasons in which she set new personal bests in the 600 meters (indoor), 800 meters (outdoor), mile (indoor), 1,500 meters (outdoor) and 3,000 steeplechase (outdoor).
"We are very excited to see what Abby can do on the course this season," said Brown. "Coming off two years of collegiate experience now, we are excited to see how she can translate that experience into times throughout the year. Abby will also be taking a leadership role on the team, which will help her as she heads toward a breakout season on the course."
Both squads will begin their 2026 season on Friday, Sept. 4 at the Augustana Twilight at Yankton Park Trail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
NSIC RELEASE (MEN) | NSIC RELEASE (WOMEN) | MEN'S SCHEDULE | WOMEN'S SCHEDULE | SCHEDULE RELEASE
Men's Cross Country History
Before returning in 2026, men's cross country was previously sponsored at SCSU for 52 seasons from 1964-2015 and enjoyed a dominate stretch in its first two-plus decades. The Huskies won 11 conference titles and earned national runner-up finishes at the 1967 NAIA National Championships and the 1983 NCAA Division-II National Championships. The second-place finishes were the school's top national championship finishes until the wrestling team won its first national title in 2015. Individually, SCSU had 11 runners achieve All-American status a total of 22 times across NAIA and NCAA competition with Van Nelson (1965, 1966, 1967) and Kurt Threinen (1982) earning the highest individual finishes at third overall. Additionally, eight Huskies won 14 individual conference championships, including most recently Nick Hirsch capturing the 2004 NCC title.
MEN'S PROGRAM RETURN ANNOUNCEMENT
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Cross Country, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
Wednesday, September 10
Wednesday, September 04
Friday, September 01
Wednesday, September 22
