HARRISONBURG, Va.- Student-athletes are back on campus, which means that the 2026 fall sports season is right around the corner. Throughout this week, we've been taking a sneak peek at the season ahead for all of our fall sports teams. Today, it is time to preview the fall campaign for EMU Cross Country.

Head Coach: Bob Hepler (Ninth Season)
ODAC Preview
 
2025 In Review
The women's team finished sixth in the ODAC with a team score of 174 points, highlighted by Lauren Kauffman's All-ODAC Third Team performance. They then went on to finish 17th in the NCAA DIII South Region Championships. On the men's side, the Royals took home eighth at the ODAC XC Championships and 21st in the South Region.
 
2026 Schedule Highlights
Season Opener: Eagles Cross Country Challenge (Tuesday, Sept. 1,  6:15 p.m. at Bridgewater)
Home Meet: Roland & Darlene Landes Invitational (Friday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.)
South Region Preview: (Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. at Panorama Farms in Earlysville, Va.)
ODAC XC Championships: (Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. at Kernstown Battlefield in Winchester, Va.)
NCAA South Region Championships: (Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. at Panorama Farms in Winchester, Va.)
Full Schedule (Men)
Full Schedule (Women)
 
Key Losses (Men):  Nick Porcaro
Key Returners (Men):  Alex Belisle, Luke Buckwalter, Ethan Kanagy, Ben Huyard
Key Losses (Women):  Elili Asefa, Lauren Kauffman
Key Returners (Women): Erin Loker, Zoe Clymer, Claire Hurst, Sarah Wheeler
Full Roster (Men)
Full Roster (Women)
 
Outlook: The Royal men are primed to take a step up in the ODAC in 2026, buoyed by an incoming first-year class of five runners. In particular, Noah Hagberg and Jonah Smith are positioned to be immediate contributors for the men's team, alongside returning top runner Buckwalter. For the women, Loker has had an excellent summer of training with an opportunity to follow in Kauffman's footsteps as an All-ODAC runner. The women's squad also features plenty of experience with five seniors, led by Clymer, who is entering her fourth season on the team.
 
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU cross country program this year, follow EMU Athletics on Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.