Bronx, N.Y. — The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) released its 2026 cross country preseason coaches' polls, with both the Lehman College men's and women's teams selected to finish seventh in the conference standings.

On the women's side, the Lightning secured 12 points to slot into the No. 7 position, finishing ahead of York College (8 points). The Lightning will look to climb the ranks and disrupt a highly competitive field led by perennial powerhouse Hunter College. The Hawks, who captured their 11th consecutive title last season, received six first-place votes to top the poll with 48 points. Medgar Evers earned the No. 2 spot (38 points), while Baruch and CCNY tied for third (34 points each). John Jay (29 points) and Brooklyn (21 points) round out the upper half of the rankings.

The Lehman men's squad mirrored the women with a No. 7 ranking, collecting 16 points to edge out York College (7 points). Hunter College is heavily favored to retain its crown on the men's side as well, capturing seven first-place votes for 49 total points to chase a sixth consecutive conference championship. Baruch slots in at No. 2 (39 points), followed by Brooklyn and CCNY tied at No. 3 (32 points each). John Jay (25 points) and Medgar Evers (24 points) sit just ahead of the Lightning in fifth and sixth.