PULLMAN, Wash. – The West Coast Conference announced Friday its 2024 Preseason Cross Country honors as both Washington State men's and women's programs selected fourth in the preseason Coaches Poll. Additionally, three Cougar men and one woman were selected to All-WCC Preseason Teams.
 
One the women's side, WCC coaches tabbed the Cougars fourth, behind Gonzaga, defensing WCC champion Portland, and Oregon State. WSU freshman Zenah Cheptoo was the lone Cougar selected to the preseason team. Cheptoo did not compete last season in cross country but did reach the 2024 NCAA Track and Field Championships in the 5000m.
 
For the men, WSU was also picked fourth behind Portland, defending WCC champion Gonzaga and Santa Clara. The Cougars were well represented on the All-WCC Preseason team, as seniors Brian Barsaiya and Kelvin Limo, along with freshman Evans Kurui, comprised 30 percent of the team.
 
WSU begins its 2024 cross country schedule Friday, Aug. 30 at the WSU Alumni Open at the Colfax Golf Course in Colfax, Wash. Race times are 5 p.m. for the women and 5:45 for the men.
 
The 2024 WCC Cross Country Men's and Women's Championship will be held Saturday, November 2, hosted by Pacific at Micke Grove Golf Links in Lodi, Calif.
 
 
Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Gonzaga (7)                       76
2. Portland (2)                       70
3. Oregon State (2)              64
4. Washington State        50
5. San Francisco                  44
6. Saint Mary's                     37
7. Santa Clara                       30
8. San Diego                         13
9. LMU                                   12
9. Pepperdine                       12
11. Pacific                             10
 
Women's Cross Country Preseason Team
Zenah Cheptoo, Washington State
Sage Brooks, Oregon State
Willow Collins, Gonzaga
Jessica Frydenlund, Gonzaga
Kate Laurent, Oregon State
Rosina Machu, Gonzaga
Laura Pellicoro, Portland
Maebh Richardson, Portland
Fleur Templier, Portland
Sadie Tuckwood, Gonzaga 
 
Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Portland (4)                       46
1. Gonzaga (4)                      46
3. Santa Clara                      36
4. Washington State        32
5. San Francisco                 24
6. Saint Mary's                     18
7. Pepperdine                      15
8. San Diego                           7
 
Men's Cross Country Preseason Team
Brian Barsaiya, Washington State
Evans Kurui, Washington State
Kelvin Limo, Washington State
Jona Bodirsky, Portland
Bryce Cerkowniak, Gonzaga
Drew Kolodge, Gonzaga
Logan Law, Gonzaga
Bradley Peloquin, Portland
Wil Smith, Gonzaga
Matt Strangio, Portland