FORT MYERS, Fla.- Bringing back an experienced group of runners for the 2026 season, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles get things underway Friday at the Florida Intercollegiate Invitational in Jacksonville.  

"The team has built an incredible foundation over the summer, and Iouldn't be more excited to see what they accomplish this season" Eagles head coach Argeo Cruz said. " I'm excited to see this group continue to come together, get stronger, and push each other to new heights. This team has something special, and I can't wait to see it unfold!"

The Eagles will have some familiar faces on the course this season as they return six of their seven top runners from a season ago. Leading the pack is Siyabonga Mokgothu, Innocent Ntwali. And Hector Toro who were the Eagles top point scorers at last year's ASUN Championships while Jacob Leon comes back looking to improve on a standout freshman season.

A number of transfers are expected to factor into the mix including Victor Kemboi who comes from Wichita State where he was a top 15 finisher in the American Conference Indoor Championships in the 5,000 meters last spring.

The Eagles will run Friday at Cecil Field Golf Course in Jacksonville in a rare 5K race with start time scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Fans can follow along the action HERE or by following the Eagles on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and visit FGCUathletics.com.