Head coach Eric Koenig is predicting an exciting season ahead for the MFL MarMac girls and boys cross country teams.

Twenty girls and nine boys are participating.

“We have great numbers, and they’re all ages,” Koenig said.

That includes not just new freshmen, but older athletes who are joining later in high school.

“The numbers keep climbing. The word is getting out to people, and they’re wiling to jump in and try it,” Koenig said.

Fresh off qualifying for state for the first time since 1993 and the first time in the three-mile era, the Bulldogs are eying another successful run in 2026. They’re currently ranked 15th in Class 2A in the Iowa Association of Track Coaches preseason rankings after losing just one senior to graduation.

“Everyone else is back,” Koenig said.

That includes junior Charlotte Meyer, who also qualified individually last season, and senior McKenna Kozelka, who was consistently one of the team’s top finishers before being sidelined by an injury. Kozelka is currently ranked 13th individually in Class 2A.

Also back from the state qualifying team are seniors Brooke Donlon and Samantha Ruff, juniors Taryn Moser and Evie Fritz and sophomore Brooklyn Landt.

With younger and new runners out, competition will be tough, though, noted the coach.

“There are three to five newcomers and previous members who can make the top seven,” according to Koenig. “On meet days, they will have to separate themselves from each other individually. It’s going to be tough, but it will make us stronger.”

MFL MarMac looks to challenge fellow Upper Iowa Conference squads and cross country powerhouses Waukon and South Winneshiek. The Bulldogs will see those teams throughout the season, and Koenig believes beating them could prove a lot.

“If we run as well as I think we can, we’re going to be a pretty strong force,” he said. “We’re a cohesive unit. Everyone gets along. They’re positive and cheer for each other.”

With that mix, “I think we’re not just going to be qualifiers, but have a real chance at placing [at state],” Koenig predicted.

On the boys side, the addition of some new runners will allow MFL MarMac to field a full team for the first time in recent years. Returners senior Adian Reynolds, junior Payton Schultz and sophomores Trace Moser and Jude Onken will be joined by seniors Tristan Bacon, Gavin Kishman and Bryce Jones, as well as sophomore Cooper Kuehl and freshman Noah Breuer.

The newcomers “are all good athletes,” Koenig said.

With some teams around the conference without complete boys teams, the coach anticipates MFL MarMac can place well as a team at meets.

“That is exciting,” he said. “It gives the boys a little more to run for. They are happy.”

Koenig hopes the excitement surrounding both the boys and girls teams will be supported by a new training program geared toward cross country. He described the program as lighter, but structured. It focuses on recovery while building endurance, speed and pace.

“That’s what is different this year,” he said. “We’ve yet to see how it will work, but it’s a growing trend to keep kids healthier, but still put in the work.”

MFL MarMac ran in its first meet Aug. 25, at Ed-Co. It’s good to get that early meet in, said Koenig.

“We’ll see where we are at,” he quipped. “We could really surprise some teams ranked ahead of us. It will be fun.”