COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Fort Lewis College men's and women's cross country teams have been tabbed to finish fifth and seventh, respectively, in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) according to the 2026 Preseason Coaches' Polls, announced Thursday.

On the men's side, Colorado School of Mines earned the top spot with 190 points and eight first-place votes, followed by Adams State with 188 points and seven first-place votes. Western Colorado was picked third with 163 points, followed by UCCS with 144 points and Fort Lewis with 136 points.

Colorado School of Mines was also selected as the preseason favorite on the women's side, earning 190 points and eight first-place votes. Adams State followed closely with 189 points and seven first-place votes, while UCCS (165) and Western Colorado (158) were picked third and fourth. Colorado Mesa and CSU Pueblo tied for fifth with 130 points apiece, followed by Fort Lewis in seventh with 126 points.

Sophomore Carysa Marquez was named to the 2026 Preseason All-RMAC Women's Cross Country Team after a standout freshman campaign. The Albuquerque, New Mexico, native was one of 14 student-athletes selected to the preseason squad, which was determined by the order of returning athletes' finishes at the 2025 RMAC Championship.

Fort Lewis opens the 2026 season on September 18 at the Texas Tech Open in Lubbock, Texas. The RMAC Championship is scheduled for Nov. 7 in Rapid City, South Dakota, followed by the NCAA Division II National Championship on Dec. 4 in Lawrence, Kansas.