MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee cross country programs are set to kick off the 2026 season this week, as the Panthers travel to Illinois to compete in the Huskie Classic Friday, Sept. 4, hosted by NIU. 

The women's 5K race is slated to start at 6:15 p.m. CT, while the men's 6K competition will get underway at 6:45 p.m. CT. Meet information and live results can be found with the link, here. 

This past week, the Horizon League released its cross country preseason poll, ranking the women's team fifth and the men's team 10th. 

The Milwaukee women's team will look to replace a productive senior class, as the unit notched fourth last year at the Horizon League Championships behind a second-place finish turned in by Anelise Egge. After losing six seniors from last year's team, the Panthers will look to their five returners and eight newcomers to replace the production. 

Milwaukee is led by Grace Kline, Isabella Switalski, Lauren Ripley and Rylan Oberg, who each set a career-best in the 6K at the Horizon League Championships last season. 

On the men's side, the Panthers welcome back nine of their 10 racers from the conference championship in 2025, looking to continue to build after a year of experience. 

Cullen Boyle, Will Whiteis, Zach Moss and Alex Anewenter were all finishers from last year's NCAA Great Lakes Regional for the Panthers, each returning for another season in the black and gold. 

After racing at the Huskie Classic, Milwaukee will be back in action Saturday, Sept. 12, traveling north to take on the Phoenix Open, hosted by in-state foe Green Bay. Races will begin at 11:30 a.m. CT from Shorewood Cross Country Course.