Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/31/2026) – "We are starting Chapter 1," smiled Gwynedd Mercy University Head Men's Cross Country Coach Joe Dyas. "We've added some depth to complement Conner, the conference lost some quality programs, and the time has come." While the Griffins failed to record a team score in 2025, a three-man team consisting of senior Sebastian DeSimone (West Orange, N.J.) (11^th, 43:21.7), sophomore Jamar Gauda (Delran, N.J.), and Brennan (8^th, 29:35.5) produced a pair of All-Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Second Team performances.
 
"We now have a roster that can score," said Coach Dyas. "I trust in Conner's leadership abilities and the talent we have assembled." Brennan was Gwynedd Mercy University's top finisher in each race of his debut season, from his 33^rd place finish (18:34.1) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Blue & Gold Invitational (Aug. 29, 5K) to his 109^th place finish (28:41.9) at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Metro Regional (Nov. 15). In between, he stacked four appearances on the AEC Men's Cross Country Weekly Report; twice appearing on the Weekly Honor Roll (Sept. 22, Oct. 20) and twice claiming the AEC Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week Award (Sept. 9, Oct. 13).
 
For 2026, Coach Dyas added four freshmen to the roster; alongside Brennan the Griffins welcome Seth Brezina (Birdsboro, Pa.), Michael Csink (Huntington Valley, Pa.), Jake Killen (Lansdale, Pa.), and Hunter Magee (Bensalem, Pa.). "Seth is an experienced runner and he should be a major contributor right away," recognized Coach Dyas. "Jake is also building off a strong high school career, Michael is in great shape after a summer of training, and Hunter is a wild card. He is new to cross country, but his track background has been an asset. He looks like he belongs."
 
"The excitement is really becoming contagious," admitted Coach Dyas. "I've been hearing all summer how hungry and excited everyone is. And, I must say, I am too. We are really beginning something new. We will miss Sebastian (DeSimone '26), he truly was the heart of the team for the past four season. But, the future is here and we're ready to embrace the possibilities."
 
The Gwynedd Mercy University men's cross country season begins on Tuesday, September 1, when they Griffins travel to Misericordia University for the Cougars' afternoon invitational.