DALLAS — The Bishop Lynch cross country teams begin the 2026 season Saturday at the Plano ISD Invitational at Hoblitzelle Park, kicking off a campaign filled with optimism as both squads return much of last year's young talent.

"We have a young team with just six seniors — three men and three women — but it's also a talented group because many of our underclassmen gained significant varsity experience last season, including during the postseason," head coach Stuart Kantor said. "With the addition of some promising newcomers on both the men's and women's sides, we're definitely taking a step in the right direction."

Last season, the Friar men finished 10th at the TAPPS 6A State Championship, while the women placed 11th. With several key contributors returning and another year of experience under their belts, both teams are poised to build on those finishes this fall.

The men's team will once again be led by senior Harman Pope, one of the top distance runners in TAPPS. While Bishop Lynch graduated three members of last year's state team, the Friars return valuable experience in Landry Rose and Jack Baker, both of whom competed at the state meet as underclassmen. Veteran Pierce Oxford also returns for his senior season and will provide leadership to an experienced group looking to move up the standings.

On the women's side, sophomore Emme Driscoll returns after leading the Friars at last year's state championship and looks to build on an impressive freshman campaign. Bishop Lynch also welcomes back its No. 2-4 finishers from a season ago in Natalia Vega, Lauren Robert, and Elliott Guinnee. Combined with a talented incoming group, the Friars have the pieces in place to take another step forward this season.

The 2026 schedule features invitationals throughout the fall before culminating at the TAPPS 6A State Championship on Oct. 26 at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in Waco, where the Friars will look to cap another successful season.

Full 2026 Cross Country Schedule
8/8: Plano ISD 2-Mile Run (Plano, TX)
8/15: Woodhouse Invite (Waxahachie, TX)
8/22: Tyler Legacy XC Invitational (Tyler, TX)
8/29: Battle at The Buff (Fort Worth, TX)
9/5: Coach T - Marcus Invitational (Denton, TX)
9/19: Lovejoy Invite (McKinney, TX)
9/25: DUBEast Invitational (Wylie, TX)
10/3: Chile Pepper XC Festival (Fayetteville, AR)
10/17: TAPPS District Meet (McKinney, TX)
10/26: TAPPS State Championship Meet (Waco, TX)