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PREDICTIONS: 2024 Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) XC Championships

  • Mike McKean
  • Nov 1, 2024
  • 5 min read

Predictions & analysis by Mike McKean, edits & commentary via Garrett Zatlin

The Mid-American Conference is admittedly not the same midwest-centric powerhouse that the BIG 10 is (or at least, used to be until they began introducing west coast programs).


Even so, the MAC annually produces some of the nation's more underrated individuals, something that is still very much true in 2024. Not only that, but there is seemingly always one team that has a very realistic shot of qualifying for the NCAA XC Championships -- something that could also happen a few weeks from now.


Here are our picks for the mid-major clash taking place on Saturday...

DISCLAIMER: Mike McKean, the author of this article, is an alumnus of Ohio University. He was responsible for a heavy majority of this preview and the predictions in this article.

Men's Individual Race

  1. Dominic Serum (Toledo)

  2. Joad Martinho (Toledo)

  3. Bismack Kipchirchir (Akron)

  4. Baidy Ba (Kent State)

  5. Mhalicki Bronson (Miami (OH))

  6. Moses Lekokei (Akron)

  7. Sam Peterson (Eastern Michigan)

  8. Loann Brelivet (Toledo)

  9. Ronan Codyre (Eastern Michigan)

  10. Patrick Wills (Miami (OH))

  11. Tyler Dailey (Eastern Michigan)

  12. Chris Perkins (Miami (OH))

  13. Jacob Brink (Buffalo)

  14. Andrew Bracken (Ohio)

  15. Noah Brightman (Buffalo)

  16. Evan Hilbert (Buffalo)

  17. Geoff Howles (Toledo)

  18. Joshuah Taylor (Toledo)

  19. Franklin Angelos (Ohio)

  20. Petros Sanchez (Miami (OH))


Analysis: This race has to be Dominic Serum’s to lose. 


The Rockets’ newest ace is coming off if an incredible 3rd place finish at the Princeton Fall Classic, only being defeated by the likes of Ethan Strand (TSR #10) and Liam Murphy (TSR #9). While we likely won’t learn anything new from Serum this weekend, coming away with the win will only help build momentum going into the Great Lakes Regional XC Championships. 


Dominic Serum competing at the Loyola Lakefront Invite // Photo via Toledo Athletics

That being said, the field is going to make Serum work for the win. One name to watch in particular has to be Bismack Kipchirchir. The Akron Zip is coming off a big win in the "Gold" race at the Joe Piane Invitational, running 23:18 (8k) in the process. If Serum decides to be aggressive from the gun, don’t be surprised if Kipchirchir follows. 


It also feels worth mentioning that Serum isn’t the only Rocket who will be in the mix at the front. Teammate Joad Martinho has been consistently great all year. His results at the Loyola Lakefront Invite (18th) and Princeton Fall Classic (43rd) show that he’s capable of a huge performance this weekend.


If you’re looking for an underdog to watch for, look no further than Baidy Ba. The Kent State veteran is coming off if a 2023 cross country season that saw him qualify for the national meet. He has met expectations so far this year by comfortably winning his past two races. Watch for Ba to respond to every move made up front. 


Women's Individual Race

  1. Mercy Kinyanjui (Toledo)

  2. Laura Nicholson (Toledo)

  3. Paige Marchant (Eastern Michigan)

  4. Emily Paupore (Central Michigan)

  5. Lou Trois (Toledo)

  6. Kylee Cubbison (Bowling Green)

  7. Mary Munga (Akron)

  8. Lianna Surtz (Toledo)

  9. Natalie Newcombe (Central Michigan)

  10. Marta Moreno (Eastern Michigan)

  11. Leila Boussedra (Ohio)

  12. Melody Jebiwot (Toledo)

  13. Lily Zalesko (Western Michigan)

  14. Kelsi Harris (Ohio)

  15. Regina Rose (Bowling Green)

  16. Karina James (Toledo)

  17. Alyssa Mason (Ohio)

  18. Megan Hipple (Akron)

  19. Anita Zaro (Eastern Michigan)

  20. Allie Martin (Ohio)


Analysis: Looking on paper, Toledo's Mercy Kinyanjui appears to be the class of this field by a fairly decent margin.


The freshman ace has proven that she can contend for an All-American honor at this year’s national meet after her performances at Loyola Lakefront Invite (7th) and the Nuttycombe Invite (17th). Quite simply, a scenario in which Kinyanjui doesn’t come away with the win feels like it would be a monumental upset.


The race for silver, however, is where things get interesting.


Kinyanjui’s teammate and fellow Rocket, Laura Nicholson, feels like a valid option for runner-up honors. The savvy veteran is coming off of a notable 64th place finish at the Nuttycombe Invite. That regular season result is one of the more notable ones in the field.


Mercy Kinyanjui competing at Pre-Nationals // Photo via Andrew LeMay

Speaking of notable results, Eastern Michigan’s Paige Marchant deserves some recognition after her incredible 7th place finish at the Arturo Barrios Invite. The sophomore standout has clearly taken another leap in her fitness this season. Will that translate to a 2nd place finish this weekend?


And how about the defending champion, Emily Paupore (Central Michigan)? Her marks this season are incredibly similar to the ones that she posted last fall. When combining her gold medal at the 2023 MAC XC Championships with her 20th place finish at the Great Lakes Regional XC Championships, it’s clear to see that the Chippewa veteran often peaks in the postseason.


Men's Team Race

  1. Toledo Rockets

  2. Miami (OH) RedHawks

  3. Eastern Michigan Eagles

  4. Buffalo Bulls

  5. Ohio Bobcats


Analysis: After narrowly being defeated by Akron at last year’s MAC XC Championships, it feels like this is Toledo’s year. 


The Rockets bring the best 1-2 punch to Muncie, Indiana this weekend. With Dominic Serem and Joad Martinho headlining the field, it seems like the scoring potency of both men will be too much for others to overcome. 


Not only is their 1-2 punch lethal, but Toledo possesses a third man who’s among the best in the field. Former Oklahoma State runner, Loann Brelivet, opened up his season by taking the scalps of Baidy Ba and Moses Lekokei at the same course where this weekend’s race will take place. It’s clear that he’s in great form after running a 24:11 (8k) personal best at the Princeton Fall Classic. 


That said, both Miami (OH) and Eastern Michigan could spoil Toledo’s party, although it’s more likely that those two teams will be battling for silver. 


Mhalicki Bronson competing at the Joe Piane Invite // Photo via Miami (OH) Athletics

Both squads pose threats with underrated depth pieces and low-sticks that will be competing for first-team All-Conference honors. The RedHawks and Eagles are led by reliable veterans Mhalicki Bronson and Sam Peterson. How low Bronson and Peterson can go in terms of scoring will be an interesting sub-plot in this team battle. 


Ultimately, the RedHawks and Eagles will need to rely on underclassmen for their backend scoring. The difference between 2nd and 3rd plae will likely come down to which group’s youngsters step up.


Women's Team Race

  1. Toledo Rockets

  2. Ohio Bobcats

  3. Eastern Michigan Eagles

  4. Bowling Green Falcons

  5. Central Michigan Chippewas


Analysis: As we look at the women’s team race, I feel like a broken record in saying that Toledo should dominate the field. 


After a 19th place finish at the most competitive regular season meet of the year, the Nuttycombe Invite, the Rockets have shown that they can at least hold their own on a national-caliber stage. The ability to cruise to a win this weekend will allow them to have an opportunity to fully gear up for the Great Lakes Regional XC Championships. There, they’ll push to earn a team berth to the national meet. 


When we look at who will be competing for 2nd place, we find our eyes on the women of Ohio.


Leila Boussedra competing for Ohio // Photo via Ohio Athletics

The Bobcats have posted underrated team finishes all season long, most notably a 5th place finish at the Roy Griak Invite. The depth they bring to the table cannot be understated as they feel poised to improve upon last year’s 3rd place result. 


Behind the Bobcats, look for Bowling Green and Eastern Michigan to duke it out for bronze.

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