Cobleskill, N.Y. – The SUNY Cobleskill men's and women's cross country teams are set for the 2026 season as the Fighting Tigers look to build on the momentum from their first year of competition in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC).

Head coach Zach Haskin enters his third season leading the program and has been encouraged by the work put in by both his returners and newcomers throughout the summer and preseason.

"Preseason was a great success this season, with a very strong effort coming off a very strong summer program," said Haskin. "We are very excited to see how this season is going to pan out."

On the men's side, the Fighting Tigers will feature a young but hungry roster this fall. Returners Michael Jocz (Syracuse, N.Y./West Genesee), David Kogan (Brooklyn, N.Y./Edward R. Murrow) and Antonio Gonzalez (Niskayuna, N.Y.) will provide experience and leadership for a group that will also rely on several newcomers.

First-years Aiden Pettit (Corinth, N.Y.) and Reid Starks-Swotkewicz (Schoharie, N.Y.), along with sophomore transfer Hunter Johnson (Union Dale, P.A./ Forest City Regional), are expected to compete near the front of the Tigers' lineup. First-year Bendin Diebel (Gowanda, NY) will also look to contribute among Cobleskill's scoring five as the Tigers work to run together as a pack and close the gap between their top finishers.

"On the men's side, we have a talented young team," Haskin said. "Leading the way are two first-years, Aiden Pettit and Reid Starks-Swotkewicz, with sophomore transfer Hunter Johnson rounding out the top three. These three men will push each other very well while running close together. Rounding out the top five are first-year Bendin Diebel and senior Michael Jocz. This group should be able to run tight and push each other to run fast."

The women's team will once again be led by junior captain Gabrielle Waite (Pulaski, N.Y.), who earned her first collegiate victory last season at SUNY Delhi.

Junior Gillian Miner (Saranac, N.Y.), junior Molly Repicky (Schoharie, N.Y.) and senior Madison Binette (Lewistown, Me) return to give Cobleskill experience throughout the lineup. First-year Brooke Yurkovich (Elizabeth, P.A./Elizabeth Forward) will also look to make an immediate impact and add depth to the Tigers' scoring group.

"On the women's side, we have our returning top two juniors, Gabrielle Waite and Gillian Miner," Haskin said. "Senior Madison Binette will help round out our top three, while first-year Brooke Yurkovich adds to the talent of our top five. These women will push each other throughout the year to run strong and run fast."

With returning experience on both sides and several newcomers expected to contribute immediately, Cobleskill will look to develop a strong pack and continue building throughout the fall toward the SUNYAC Championships.

The Fighting Tigers open the 2026 season on Friday, September 4, when they compete in the Oneonta Airfield Invitational, hosted by SUNY Oneonta, beginning at 5 p.m.