PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Plymouth State University men’s cross country team was predicted to win its third consecutive Little East Conference (LEC) championship, according to the results of the 2024 LEC Men’s Cross Country Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Panthers totaled 61 points and received five first-place votes.
 
Plymouth State took home the title with 34 points last season, which was led by a one-two finish by Mike Olson and Jacob Gallaher, both of whom concluded their collegiate careers. The Panthers will return two runners who placed in the top-16 of last year’s LEC Championship in Dylan Flewelling (fourth, 26:37.0) and Connor Wilcox (14th, 27:10.2) who will look to lead PSU to a third consecutive LEC title.
 
The University of Southern Maine was picked to finish second with 54 points and one first-place vote, edging out the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (51 points, two first place votes), matching their order of finish at the 2023 LEC Championship. The Huskies return five of their top-six performers from last season, a group led by Jordan Duplessie (5th, 26:43.3) and Jack Pecoraro (11th, 27:03.4). The same can be said for the Corsairs, while will be led by Jacob Paris (third, 26:09.4) and Benjamin Davignon (eighth, 26:51.3).
 
Keene State College was picked to finish fourth for the second consecutive year, totaling 47 points and claiming the remaining first-place vote. The Owls also return a pair of top-15 performers from a year ago in Griffin Urnezis (ninth, 26:52.6) and Tyler Bolaske (12th, 27:03.9).
 
The complete LEC preseason ranking is as follows.

2024 LEC Men’s Cross Country Preseason Coaches’ Poll
 
Institution - Points (First Place Votes)
1. Plymouth State - 61 (5)
2. Southern Maine - 54 (1)
3. UMass Dartmouth - 51 (2)
4. Keene State - 47 (1)
5. Eastern Connecticut - 33
6. Rhode Island College - 28
7. Vermont State Castleton - 20
8. UMass Boston - 17
9. Western Connecticut - 9
 
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.