By: Angelina Staumont, Sports Information Director
IRVINE, Calif. --- Biola Men and Women's Cross Country teams earn first and second-place rankings, respectively, in the 2021 preseason polls as announced by the PacWest Conference.
After not having a 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eagles are ready to roll into the 2021 season. The men and women's teams received top two rankings in the polls voted on by the conference head coaches.
On the men's side, Biola, the two-time PacWest defending champions, were selected as favorites to finish on top for what could be the third season in a row.
Brady DeHaven, Angel Escobar, and Ryan Sorensen look to be bright spots for the Eagles as they prepare for the first meet of the season. While there was no cross country season in 2020, all three distance runners fared well during the track and field season earning top-eight finishes in both the 5K and 10K at the PacWest Track & Field Championships.
On the women's side, the Eagles ranked second, only six points behind the top-ranked Academy of Art.
BU returns Mackenna Mason and Grace Catena who had an impressive 2021 track & field campaign. Mason looks to continue to build on the legacy she has established over the past few seasons at Biola. Mason was the top finisher in the 10K and finished in this place in the 5K while Catena snagged a second place finish in the steeplechase at the 2021 PacWest Track & Field Championships.
Biola is slated to kick-off its season on September 10 at Ted Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, California.
2021 PacWest Men's Cross Country Poll
- Biola
- Fresno Pacific
- Concordia
- Azusa Pacific
- Academy of Art
- Hawai'i Pacific
- Dominican
- Chaminade
- Holy Names
2021 PacWest Women's Cross Country Poll
- Academy of Art
- Biola
- Azusa Pacific
- Concordia
- Fresno Pacific
- Point Loma
- Hawai'i Pacific
- Hawai'i Hilo
- Dominican
- Chaminade
- Holy Names
