GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's men's cross country team is looking to build off last season's experience in what it hopes to be a stellar campaign in 2025.

The Pioneers, recently voted the preseason favorite to win the Midwest Conference title, have been led in the preseason by seniors Luke Robinson '26, Connor Heagy '26 and Andy Chestovich '26 along with Sam Beck '27, Aidan Michaelson '28, Greyson Imm '28 and Ben Abelow '28.

Robinson posted the 21st-fastest time in program last season, Heagy the 32nd and Beck the 36th. All three were All-MWC honorees a year ago. Both Robinson and Heagy have earned that honor three times in their careers.

Newcomers running among the leaders early on are Leif Dahl '29, Jack Lakin '29, Sebastian Vilches '29 and Spencer Lyau '29.

"We definitely have some people with solid experience, and that will be crucial as they help the younger runners not only execute their races but adjust quickly to college racing," said Grinnell coach Sarah Burnell. "The connection this squad has been amazing. This is the also the most driven team I've had in recent years – they have the clearest vision of how we can do and what each person needs to do to accomplish that."

Burnell is hopeful to regain the MWC title the Pioneers won in 2023 but lost last season. "I'd love to win the conference," said Burnell. "The team has the goal of a top-10 regional finish and get themselves as close as possible to a national-qualifying spot. We're in an awesome region, so we'll be running in some tough company.