MEDFORD, MA (September 4, 2025) – Six of the seven starters who led the Tufts University men's cross country team to its best season in a while last year return to the Jumbos this fall, which makes for plenty of excitement surrounding the 2025 season.
In the first year under Director of Cross Country and Track & Field
Jamie Norton, Tufts finished 17th at the NCAA Men's Cross Championship last year. It was their best showing nationally by the team since 2015. The Jumbos also posted a second straight runner-up finish at the NCAA Regional Championship.
Three All-NESCAC honorees - the team's most since 2004 – are among the top returnees.
Amokrane Aouchiche,
Luke Brennan and Calviin Cummings were in the top 14 at the conference race and are joined by teammates
Harris Gulbransen,
Quinn Hampson and
Jonah Reisner as returnees from Tufts' starting seven at the NCAA Championship. It's a veteran group with plenty of experience, including seniors Aouchiche, Brennan, Cummings and Hampson.
"Our front-end depth is very strong," Coach Norton said. "We have a handful of guys who progressed well last fall, and who could make another significant leap this year from where they were last year."
Aouchiche had an All-American finish at the NCAA race, and all six returnees were in the top 21 at the NCAA East Region Championship to receive All-Region honors. All of them continued their progress during the track seasons, including Reisner who was the NESCAC runner-up in the 5K.
"We have a couple guys most likely to be our front-runners, but others who are likely to be right on their heels," Norton said. "Last year our strength was our pack and depth, but I think this year we're looking to have that whole group take a step forward. We hope to have even more guys on fringe of All-NESCAC."
Norton and the staff are also looking to see a lot of improvement from several others with the potential to close the gap between the top seven and the rest of the team.
Nagging injuries have kept
Cullen McCaleb out of action for the past two seasons, but he is back for his senior season and looking strong thus far in preseason workouts. Senior Will Cusato and junior
Simon Donovan and
Sam Kurian lead a large returning group that was part of Tufts' NESCAC team a year ago. That includes juniors
Aidan Max,
Avery Smart and
Meba Henok as well as sophomore
Gabe Grove.
"There are a lot of guys clamoring to make their way into the top seven group, and they are also pushing the top group that's returning to keep getting better so they can maintain those spots," Norton said.
Tufts has a freshman group of nine runners who join the team this year. With the veteran depth in the line-up, these newcomers will have time to adjust to collegiate racing.
The Jumbos opens its season at Trinity College's George Suitor Invitational this Saturday.
"We're really just focused on the day-to-day process, trying to be the best group we can be day in and day out," Norton said. "Trying to perfect our craft, hone our identity and really develop a sense of cohesiveness and a collective push towards our goals."
--JUMBOS--
