Contact: Brock Reisler, Assistant Executive Director, breisler@midwestconference.org
 
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin – Cornell College claimed the top spot in the Midwest Conference men’s track & field preseason coaches’ poll, announced on Thursday.
 
Predicted to win back-to-back indoor titles and pick up their first outdoor crown since 1989, the Rams secured two first-place votes and 53 points.
 
A tight race separates the second through fifth positions, with just nine points dividing these teams.
 
The Fighting Scots of Monmouth College earned 52 points and five first-place votes, finishing second by a narrow one-point margin over Grinnell College. The Pioneers collected two first-place votes and 51 points, edging out Illinois College, which received 44 points. Ripon College followed closely with 43 points.
 
The poll concluded with Beloit College (29 points), Lawrence University (28 points), Lake Forest College (13 points) and Knox College (11 points).
 
The 2025-26 track and field season begins with indoor competition on Friday, December 5, featuring three of the nine teams in action over the weekend.
 
The 2026 MWC Indoor Track & Field Championships are set for Friday and Saturday, February 27-28, at Grinnell College.
 
Outdoor track and field competition will begin on Friday, March 14, culminating at the 2026 MWC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, hosted by Cornell College on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.
 
Full preseason poll results and quick facts for all nine teams can be found below.
 
2025-26 MWC Men’s Track & Field Preseason Coaches’ Poll Results
1. Cornell College (2) - 53 points
2. Monmouth College (5) - 52 points
3. Grinnell College (2) - 51 points
4. Illinois College - 44 points
5. Ripon College - 43 points
6. Beloit College - 29 points
7. Lawrence University - 28 points
8. Lake Forest College - 13 points
9. Knox College - 11 points
 
() – indicates first-place votes
*Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams.
 
Beloit College Buccaneers
Head Coach: Brian Bliese (26th Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 5th
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 7th
All-Conference Returnees: Josh Yearby (Jr.), Josh Martinez (Jr.), Nate Otis (Sr.), Cal Fox (So.)
 
Cornell College Rams
Head Coach: Jerry Monner (4th Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 1st
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 3rd
All-Conference Returnees: Isaac vanWestrienen (Sr.) - 2025 MWC Outdoor Outstanding Men’s Track Performer, Jensen Meeker (Jr.), Hadley Beaty (Jr.), Jaxin McGuire (Sr.), Chase Staker (Sr.), Isaac Morris (So.), Jamie Briggs (So.), Ike Claussen-Tubbs (So.), Dalles Hernandez (So.)
 
Grinnell College Pioneers
Head Coach: Jeff Pedersen (6th Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 6th
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 5th
All-Conference Returnees: Luke Robinson (Sr.), Jack Novelle (Sr.), Jake Warren (So.), Linus O’Brien (So.), Caden Pfister (Jr.), Andy Chestovich (Sr.), Lucas Fadden (Sr.), Ben Abelow (So.), Ian Clawson (Sr.), Jake Bell (Jr.)
 
Illinois College Blueboys
Head Coach: Dirk Doehring (3rd Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 4th
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 4th
All-Conference Returnees: Jack Bacon (So.), Adam Hernandez (Jr.), Saul Hernandez (Sr.), Melvin Hodge (Sr.), Blake Larson (Jr.), Deon Rodgers (Sr.), Jaden Saunders (Jr.), Sam Stimler (So.) - 2025 MWC Indoor Newcomer of the Year
 
Knox College Prairie Fire
Head Coach: Mark Nelson (3rd Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 8th
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 8th
All-Conference Returnees: Lance Miller (Sr.)
 
Lake Forest College Foresters
Head Coach: Patrick Austin (4th Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 9th
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 9th
All-Conference Returnees: Ollie Francis (Jr.), Payton Ross (Jr.), Owen Lashenik (So.), Austin Hewes (Jr.)
 
Lawrence University Vikings
Head Coach: Elizabeth Krug (2nd Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 7th
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 6th
All-Conference Returnees: Zach Meyer (So.), Brendan Cross (Jr.), Henry Buehrer (So.), Alex Luckett (Jr.), Leo Hagberg (Jr.), Finn Lee (Jr.)
 
Monmouth College Fighting Scots
Head Coach: Brian Woodard (3rd Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 2nd
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 1st
All-Conference Returnees: Tashawn Ruffin (Jr.), Johnny York (Sr.), Blake Orwig (Sr.), Logan Morse (Jr.), Matthew Bright (So.)
 
Ripon College Red Hawks
Head Coach: Sylviann Momont (1st Season)
2025 MWC Indoor Finish: 3rd
2025 MWC Outdoor Finish: 2nd
All-Conference Returnees: Finley Manning (Sr.), Isaac San Diego (Sr.), Seth Bunders (Jr.)