MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's men's cross country team has finished first, second, first and second at the Midwest Conference Championships in Jerry Frawley's four years as head coach.
 
The defending MWC team champions have a tough act to follow this fall after graduating one of the most accomplished senior classes in program history, which included six all-conference runners.
 
"We lost a lot of leadership, guys who impacted our program athletically and culturally," Frawley said. "I wouldn't say we'll be able to replace everyone. The team dynamic will be different, but the goals and standards remain the same. We still have pieces to put together a good team."
 
A giant piece is senior Isaac vanWestrienen, the 2024 MWC individual cross country champion who earned three all-America awards on the track last spring. VanWestrienen has qualified for the NCAA Cross Country Championships the past two years.
 
"Having a returning all-American is not a bad place to start," said Frawley, of his lone runner back from last year's regional lineup. "Isaac's goal is to win a national title. His confidence is high."
 
VanWestrienen and the new-look Rams open the season Friday at Loras' Bob Schultz Invitational in Dubuque. The men's 5K race is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
The Rams are projected third in the MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll, receiving 52 points and two first-place votes. Grinnell is favored to win the title with 64 points, followed by Lawrence with 60.
 
Cornell will serve as host of the MWC Championships Nov. 1, held at Seminole Valley Park in Cedar Rapids.
 
Frawley believes the Rams can contend at the top. Key addition Jake Bach will help bolster their chances. The junior comes to the Hilltop as a Division I transfer from the University of Wyoming.
 
"Jake has been impressive," Frawley said. "He has the potential to be Isaac's training partner."
 
The Rams have several other capable runners ready to take on bigger roles. Sophomores Isaac Morris and Jamie Briggs ran on an MWC championship relay this past indoor track season. Junior Jaxon Barnes, sophomore Caleb Long and freshmen Easton Mai and Carson Krogman are candidates to factor into Cornell's scoring this fall.
 
"Our young guys will have opportunities," Frawley said. "If our 3-5 scorers step up, we could have a Top 10 regional team again."