William Penn Picked 13th by Coaches in League’s Preseason Poll

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s cross country team is hoping to surprise its league competition as the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Poll was released last Friday.

WPU, which finished eighth in the Heart last fall, is expected to be 13th (out of 16 teams) with 85 points.

Benedictine heads the class with 239 points and 15 first-place votes, while Mount Mercy is second with 206 points and the last first-place nod.

Missouri Baptist (188), Baker (154), and St. Ambrose (153) complete the top five, while the 6-10 spots are held by Park (146), MidAmerica Nazarene (142), William Woods (137), Central Methodist (123), and Culver-Stockton (112), respectively.

Grand View (103) and Clarke (95) are also ahead of the navy and gold, while Graceland (79), Missouri Valley (51), and Peru State (28) finish the standings.

The Statesmen start 2026 on September 4 at the Central Dutch Invitational in Pella.

2026 Heart Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Benedictine–239 (15)
2. Mount Mercy–206 (1)
3. Missouri Baptist–188
4. Baker–154
5. St. Ambrose–153
6. Park–146
7. MidAmerica Nazarene–142
8. William Woods–137
9. Central Methodist–123
10. Culver-Stockton–112
11. Grand View–103
12. Clarke–95
13. William Penn–85
14. Graceland–79
15. Missouri Valley–51
16. Peru State–28