Mountain Lions Return Stronger for 2026 Campaign

After finishing just one place shy of a conference championship a year ago, the De Anza College men's cross country team enters the 2026 season with its sights set on reaching the top of the Coast Conference.

Second-year head coach Andy Ponce de Leon believes this year's men's squad has the experience, depth, and determination to contend throughout the championship season.

"We're returning a strong core from last year's team and have added outstanding newcomers," said Ponce de Leon.

"Our depth is significantly better than it's been, which gives us the ability to compete with anyone in Northern California. The goal is to keep improving every week and be running our best when the championships arrive."

The Mountain Lions are coming off an impressive 2025 campaign that saw the men's team earn a runner-up finish at the Coast Conference Championships, establishing itself among the region's premier programs. While the women captured Coast Conference and Northern California championships, the success of both squads highlighted the continued growth of De Anza's cross country program.

The 2026 season opens on Saturday, September 5, at the Crush Invitational, hosted by Clovis Community College in Fresno. The meet also serves as the annual 3C2A State Championship Preview, providing runners with an early opportunity to compete on the course that will host the state championships in November.

The Mountain Lions continue their schedule on September 18 at the Butte Invitational, which doubles as the Northern California Championship Preview. The team will then compete at the Pink in the Park Invitational, hosted by Hartnell College on October 2, followed by the Pat Ryan Invitational at Santa Rosa Junior College on October 16.

The championship season begins on Thursday, October 29, when De Anza competes at the Coast Conference Championships hosted by Chabot College. After last year's runner-up finish, the Mountain Lions will look to take the next step and capture the conference title.

The postseason continues with the Northern California Championships on November 6 at Butte College before concluding at the 3C2A State Championships on November 21 in Fresno.

With a deeper roster, experienced returners, and a proven championship culture, the Mountain Lions enter the 2026 season ready to challenge for conference and regional honors while continuing the program's rise among California's top community college cross country teams.