Top Polk County boys cross country runners prepare for 2026 season

As the 2026 boys cross country season begins in Polk County, local teams face a reshuffled field following the graduation of five of last year’s top 10 finishers. Lake Wales senior Gabriel Harris enters the year as the highest-ranked returner after ending last season fourth in the county. McKeel leads the early team outlook after securing a second-place finish at the George Whitmire Invitational. Other notable returners include Aidan Alam of McKeel and Benaiah Lawton of Geneva Classical, who both finished in the top 10 during the previous county meet. George Jenkins enters the season with a deep roster, though the team has yet to field its top four runners during the initial two meets. Athletes across the county are now looking to establish their standing as competition intensifies through the upcoming district and regional schedule.

• 8:03 AMYahoo Sports — Here are the top boys cross country runners in Polk to watch in 2026