SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University men's cross country team is receiving votes in the first regular-season edition of the NAIA Men's Cross Country Coaches' Top 25 Rating, released Thursday by the national office.
 
Spring Arbor received 54 points in the rating, placing the Cougars third among teams receiving votes. SAU entered the season ranked No. 25 in the preseason poll.
 
The Cougars have opened the 2026 season with a pair of strong performances against fields featuring competition from across the NCAA and NAIA.
 
Spring Arbor began the year with a third-place finish at the Titan vs. Warrior Classic at Cass Benton Park in Northville. The Cougars finished behind NCAA Division I Detroit Mercy and NCAA Division II Wayne State, led by Jack Bruder and Luke Morehouse, who placed ninth and 10th, respectively. Bruder covered the four-mile course in 21:11, with Morehouse following one second behind in 21:12.
 
Bruder's performance earned him Crossroads League Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week honors for the first time in his career.
 
SAU followed with a fifth-place finish in a strong 10-team field at the Knight Invite, hosted by Calvin University. The Cougars finished ahead of five teams, including then-No. 22 Cornerstone, and were led by Morehouse, who completed the 8K course in 26:14. Chase Hobson followed in 26:25, while Bruder crossed in 26:38.
 
The Crossroads League was well represented in Thursday's national rating. Indiana Wesleyan was tied for No. 2, Marian checked in at No. 9, Taylor was No. 17 and Goshen was No. 18. Spring Arbor and Saint Francis were among the teams receiving votes.
 
Cumberlands (Ky.) remained atop the national poll with 17 first-place votes and 528 points. Southern Oregon moved into a tie with Indiana Wesleyan at No. 2, while The Master's (Calif.) and College of Idaho rounded out the top five.
 
Spring Arbor returns to action on Friday, Oct. 2 at the Nike XC Town Twilight at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Indiana.