Columbia, Mo. | Gans Creek XC Course | 10K | Saturday, 11:10 a.m. ET on ESPNU
COLUMBIA, MO - The Iona University men's cross country program returns to the sport's biggest stage on Saturday morning, making its 28th all-time appearance at the NCAA Championship. The Gaels earned their automatic berth with a runner-up finish at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship and now toe the line at Gans Creek for the first time since 2023. Ten Gaels have traveled to Missouri, with seven selected to compete in the 10K national final as the Maroon & Gold aim to reestablish their familiar place among the nation's elite.
Senior
Matt Rankin carries invaluable postseason experience as the only Gael in the travel party with cross country nationals experience, making his third NCAA appearance. With a proven mix of seasoned upperclassmen and breakthrough underclassmen, Iona looks to leverage its depth, championship pedigree, and strong performances throughout the fall to close the 2025 season on a high note.
IONA LINEUP
Boltz enters his first NCAA Championship trip after a breakout fall highlighted by All-MAAC honors with a fifth-place finish at the conference meet. He placed 29th at regionals, just outside All-Region distinction, and has shown consistent progression in championship-style races. His strength over 10K positions him as an important piece of Iona's scoring potential.
A steady front-pack presence, Cartieaux brings valuable championship experience and momentum. The MAAC runner-up and a podium finisher at the IC4A Championship, he finished 31st at the Northeast Regional and narrowly missed All-Region status. His season has been defined by reliability, making him a key figure in Iona's scoring five.
Coles notched All-MAAC honors with his seventh-place finish at the conference meet and continued his strong form with competitive showings at Nuttycombe and Gans Creek. Now entering his first national championship, he brings proven consistency and the ability to rise in big-race fields.
The twin to Aiden and another crucial mid-pack scorer, Tristan earned All-MAAC status with a ninth-place finish at the conference meet. His improvement throughout the fall and strong close to the season make him a reliable contributor for Iona in the 10K finale.
One of the MAAC's top rookies, Coogan claimed All-MAAC honors with a 10th-place finish and stood out early in the season with a podium finish at the Meet of Champions. With national-level invitational experience already under his belt, he brings youthful energy and upside to the Gaels' NCAA lineup.
Giblin enters nationals in peak form after finishing 18th at the Northeast Regional and earning All-Region honors. He also placed third at the MAAC Championship, solidifying his role as one of Iona's top scorers. With elite performances across the fall circuit, Giblin is positioned to be a major impact piece on Saturday.
Harper has been a model of steady progression. An All-MAAC performer with a sixth-place result at the league meet, he followed with a top-55 finish at regionals and earlier impressed at Gans Creek with a sub-24:00 performance. His ability to run well on this course adds strategic value for the Gaels.
A veteran presence and All-MAAC performer (4th place), MacMillan traveled with the team despite a DNS at regionals. His strong conference performance and consistent racing earlier this fall make him a valuable team leader and depth option heading into championship weekend.
Rankin is the lone Gael with NCAA Championship experience and now races at the national meet for the third time, bringing essential postseason poise. The 2025 MAAC Champion, Rankin also placed 13th at the Northeast Regional to earn All-Region honors. His front-running ability and composure in high-pressure environments make him a critical anchor for Iona's lineup.
Robinson brings significant momentum after a fourth-place finish at regionals, earning All-Region honors and placing among the top MAAC finishers. He was eighth at the conference meet and cracked the top 50 at Nuttycombe, marking him as one of Iona's strongest contenders for a high individual finish at nationals.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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