MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. - The Cal Poly Humboldt men's cross country team will begin its 2026 campaign Saturday morning when the Lumberjacks host the Jim Hunt Invitational at Beau Pre Golf Club.

The men's 8K is scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m. 

Saturday's competition will be Humboldt's only home meet of the season and will feature a high school division for the first time in the event's history.

BACK AT BEAU PRE

The season opener gives Humboldt an opportunity to compete on familiar terrain before beginning the road portion of its schedule.

Beau Pre Golf Club provides a spectator-friendly layout with several opportunities to see the runners throughout the race. The annual Jim Hunt Invitational has developed into one of the North Coast's premier cross country events.

Saturday will begin Humboldt's first season under head coach Michael Schroer.

The Lumberjacks return an experienced group from the team that placed second at the 2025 Jim Hunt Invitational, finishing five points behind Southern Oregon.

Jacob Christopher led Humboldt at last year's meet with a third-place finish in 25:21.76. Nicholas Woolery and Elias Wiggins followed in sixth and seventh, respectively, with both finishing in 26:02.

Spencer Borin placed ninth in 26:09.55, while Daniel Shaver and Trevor Stewart finished 13th and 14th. The return of that group gives Humboldt an established pack entering the new season.

2026 JIM HUNT INVITATIONAL

Saturday's race will provide the Lumberjacks with their first benchmark of the season as the team begins preparing for its conference and postseason schedule.

Humboldt's roster combines a veteran group with a promising freshman class. The home opener will give the newcomers their first collegiate racing experience while allowing the returning runners to build on last season's performance at Beau Pre.

HOW TO TUNE IN

Saturday at Jim Hunt Invitational - Live Results – Meet Information

UP NEXT

The Lumberjacks will return to action Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Mike Johnson Classic, hosted by Western Oregon at Ash Creek Preserve in Monmouth, Oregon.

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt cross country, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.

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