WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's cross country team has high hopes for the 2026 season, which starts this week.

The Lancers are stocked with proven veterans and talented newcomers as the squad gets ready to take aim at the top teams in the Crossroads League and the NAIA.

Grace will have young talent for both the men's and women's squads. While the Lancers will generally field one of the younger rosters on the course, head coach Brian Dewey was confident in the team's ability.

"We are a young team for the men and women, but we have some great pieces to work with. I'm looking forward to seeing how our team grows individually and as a group as the season progresses," Dewey said.

The women will be led by Cece Mitchell. The senior enjoyed one of the finest individual seasons in Lancer history last year, completing the trifecta with NAIA All-American honors in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. Mitchell placed sixth in the Crossroads League Championships in 2025 and was 25th at the NAIAs.

Sophomore Leah Emch was Grace's fourth-fastest finisher at the league championships in her rookie season; senior Grace Pettit finished alongside Emch, giving Grace a trio of top-25 CL finishers returning this year.

"On the women's side, we will have Cece to lead us. But we also have depth with two strong packs behind her," Dewey said. "We'll need to work together throughout each race to remain connected and keep one another in the race."

The men return much of their firepower from 2025. Five of Grace's top-eight finishers at the league championships were underclassmen – not including returning senior Austin Wilson.

Hunter Quadlin, Reid Sollars and Gavin Sowles were Grace's No. 4, No. 5 and No. 8 finishers as freshmen at the CL championships a year ago. 

John Young and Ty McPhatter scored for Grace as sophomores, giving the Lancers a steady foundation.

"The men's side will have a few freshmen that will join our top ranks right away," Dewey noted. "Our sophomore class has grown tremendously as well, and our men are ready to make a big step up this year."

Dewey has recruited talented newcomers on both teams, injecting a dynamic group of new runners into the mix.

The Lancers have a variety of unique courses to compete at this year, beginning on Friday with the IWU Twilight Invite – a race that will be packed with ranked opponents.

Grace will also compete in Michigan (twice) and Iowa, along with a pair of races in Upland, Ind.

The Lancers will hope to continue their trend of representing the school at the NAIA National Championships. The women's squad, ranked No. 15 in the NAIA Preseason Poll, has qualified for five straight national championships. The men's team has made four of the past five NAIAs as well.