Sport: Track & Field Category: Match Previews

CIAC boys cross country runners to watch for 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 4:04 PM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

CIAC boys cross country runners to watch for 2026 season

Summary

The 2026 CIAC boys cross country season features a competitive field of returning talent across multiple classes. Among the athletes noted for high expectations is Griswold senior Tycen LaBelle, who placed second at the 2025 State Open. Fairfield Warde senior Edward Kushel and Stratford senior Dyllan Asuncion also return following strong performances at the 2025 championship meets. The Xavier program, which secured SCC and Class MM titles last year, remains a central focus with runners like Holden Hines, Quentin Koch, and Nolan O'Connor included in the list of athletes to monitor. Other top contenders include senior Beau Kociszewski of Thomaston and East Lyme senior Joey Papalia. These runners prepare for the upcoming fall season as they aim to improve upon their placements from the previous year.

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Key Details

•Tycen LaBelle enters the season as a favorite after finishing as the 2025 State Open runner-up.
•Xavier maintains a strong core with Holden Hines, Quentin Koch, and Nolan O'Connor returning.
•Edward Kushel returns following a second-place finish at the 2025 FCIAC championships.
•Several athletes are identified as key performers from the 2025 Class L, M, MM, and SS championship meets.

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