POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The 2021 season begins for Marist men's and women's cross country this weekend at the Marist Season Opener, held at Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve. On Saturday, September 4, the Red Foxes' first race will begin at 9 a.m., as the programs begin another season on the trails.
 
Following Saturday's races, a Senior Day ceremony will be held to honor members of the track and cross country teams for their dedication to the program.

 

COMPETITION HISTORY

• As winners of both competitions at the past three season openers, Marist will aim to make it three-straight and start the year off on a strong note.
• There was no season opening meet last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

NEW FACES

• The men's cross country program team is bringing in a talented group of six freshmen. Hailing from all over the northeast, they will look to make an immediate impact at the season opener.
• Similarly, the women have added eight newcomers from all over the northeast who are prepared to add to the depth of the championship-contending Red Foxes.

 

PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

• The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Preseason Poll was released on Tuesday, where the league's 11 head coaches vote on where teams will place at the conference championships in November.
• Both the men and the women were picked to finish fifth in the MAAC this season. 

 

TROPHY HUNT

• For the first time in five years, the MAAC Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships returns to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. It will take place October 30. 
• At last year's MAAC Championship, the women finished in fifth place, while the men took home seventh place. 

 

UP NEXT

• The Red Foxes will compete at the Siena Invitational next weekend, on Saturday, September 11. The meet will begin at 9:45 a.m.