Westfield, Mass.— Bridgewater State has been selected by the seven coaches from around the conference as the preseason favorite to win this year’s cross country title. 

The Bears received three first place votes for 31 points. Last year, Trevor Wysong was the top overall finisher with a time of 27:17 over the 8k course to earn MASCAC Runner of the Year accolades. Teammate Josh Higgins joined him on the All-Conference team. Higgins was eighth in a time of 28:26.

Tied for second with 29 points is Westfield State and Worcester State. The Owls received two first place votes. Hitting the course again for the team is Brandon Leclair who  finished 11th at last year’s championship with a time of 28:34. For the Lancers, the Drew Fottler, 2018 MASCAC Rookie of the Year is back after finishing seventh in 28:11 for All-Conference accolades. 

Landing in the fourth spot with 28 points and the final two first place votes is Fitchburg State. The reigning MASCAC Team Champions bring back Jacob Movsessian who was the highest finisher for the Falcons in third with a time of 27:39 to earn All-Conference honors. 

Sitting in fifth is Framingham State with 13 points. During last year’s championship, Kevin Durant was the top finisher for the Rams with a time of 30:00, good enough for 23rd overall. 

Rounding out this year’s preseason poll is Massachusetts Maritime and MCLA in seventh and eighth with 11 and six points, respectively. Coming back for the Buccaneers is Alex Imperillo who crossed the line at the 2018 championship in a time of 32:41. For the Trailblazers, Owen Fitzgerald returns after finishing the conference championship course in a time of 36:51. 

Bridgewater State, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime, Westfield State and Worcester State begin their MASCAC cross country on September 7. Fitchburg State and Framingham State raced at Keene State last weekend.