GRINNELL, Iowa – The Illinois College men's track and field team was picked to finish fourth in the annual Midwest Conference men's track & field preseason coaches' poll, the league announced on Thursday.
Cornell was picked to win the title while Monmouth was second by a narrow one-point margin over Grinnell. IC, which received 44 points, was fourth. Ripon followed closely with 43 points.
The poll concluded with Beloit (29 points), Lawrence (28 points), Lake Forest (13 points), and Knox (11 points).
IC returns eight all-conference performers from last season in
Jack Bacon,
Adam Hernandez,
Saul Hernandez,
Melvin Hodge,
Blake Larson,
Deon Rodgers,
Jaden Saunders, and
Sam Stimler who was also the 2025 MWC Indoor Newcomer of the Year.
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
