FITCHBURG, MA: The Fitchburg State men's cross country team was picked to finish third in this year's MASCAC Preseason Poll. Bridgewater State landed in the top sport after being the runner-up the previous season.

The Bears received four of the first place votes. Last year, Kyle Ackroyd was the first Bear to finish with an 8k time of 27:16, good enough for second place and a spot on the All-Conference team.

Last year’s team champion, Westfield State, is second with the final two first place votes. In 2023, Nathan Sylven of Westfield State took home individual champion, Runner, and Rookie of the year accolades after crossing the line first with an 8k time of 26:19.

Landing in the third spot is Fitchburg State. Returning for the 2024 season is Michael Burns, who earned All-Conference honors after finishing eighth in a time of 28:24.

Sitting in fourth is Worcester State. During the 2023 championship, Jacksen Bolduc was the first Lancer across the line in 22nd with a time of 30:42.

Framingham State is picked to finish fifth. Bruno Barbosa was 47th last season, coming in with an 8k time of 33:50.

Rounding out this year’s preseason poll is Massachusetts Maritime in sixth. In his first year on the team, Spencer Reese had a solid showing, finishing 20th with an 8k time of 29:57.

Over the next few weeks, the six MASCAC men’s cross country teams will begin their season, culminating in the MASCAC Championship on November 2, hosted by Fitchburg State.

2024 MASCAC Men’s Cross Country
Preseason Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes In Parentheses)
1. Bridgewater State (4) 24 points
2. Westfield State (2) 22 points
3. Fitchburg State 16 points
4. Framingham State 11 points
5. Worcester State 10 points
6. Massachusetts Maritime 7 points

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