And just like that, the 2025 GMAC cross country season is here. So buckle up, have some thick skin this year please, and lets have some fun. In honor of tradition, it is only fitting to do a little briefing on each team.
Walsh: The men of Canton return a strong group this year but will need some guys to step up to replace the holes left from Duhman and Xavier. The Poopas twins look to be the top two on the team but outside of that I have no idea. This team will end up in the top 3 at the conference meet as always.
Hillsdale: The returning GMAC champs will have their work cut out for them this year. With Johnston and Kuhn gone it will take a lot for them to repeat as champs and even get into the top 3. However they may have the individual champ in Phillips as he is the top returner behind Slater.
Findlay: Findlay lost 3 of their top 5 last year including the 1-2 duo of Foster and Fisher. With strong members such as Asher Long and newcomer Benji Hall returning they could easily find themselves in the top 3, however I would not be surprised if the fall to 4th or 5th this year.
Tiffin: On paper this is the team to beat this year. Luigi and Ramooooooooon will be a good one too punch and could both win the individual crown. As long as they can put together a good 3-5 I can see them winning it all. However it may be difficult as Del Mango does not seem to do well developing American born talent.
Malone: This team is a toss up every year. They will go how Hayden Schmidt goes. If the GMAC president can find himself in the top 5 I think Malone has a chance to be in the top 4 as they have pretty decent surrounding pieces. However if he is outside the top 15 then the think red rocket will find themselves once again outside the top 5.
Ashland: This is my darkhorse team of the year. The Eagles showed that they have some pieces during the indoor and outdoor season last year. Nate Slater is the top returner from last year and will be competing for the title. They also have Geist who finished 3rd in the outdoor 10k and Vales who had a breakout year last year. Wouldnt be surprised to see the eagles in the top 3 this year.
Northwood: Well we saw that home course advantage played out well last year for Hillsdale. The question is can Northwood also get some of that magic. They are going to need it. Losing some big pieces and not having many heavy hitters will hurt the Wolves. The best I see out of them is a 4th place finish.
Lake Erie: Does this team even exist anymore. DFL behind Thomas More.
ODU: 3rd to last in front of Thomas More and Lake Erie.
Cedarville: The yellowjackets had a major down year last year and I do not think they will see much improvement this year. Just no real distance firepower like in years past. Carrol is the only one who has a legitimate shot of getting All-Conference in my mind. I could be wrong, though. The best I see is a 5th-place finish
Thomas Moore: Last but not least the newest D2 team in the conference. They will finally beat one team this year but it will be a scrap for the toliet bowl between them and Lake Erie.
