NEW YORK - Defending CUNY Athletic Conference men's indoor track and field champion Medgar Evers was picked to repeat as the conference's preseason coaches' poll was released Thursday afternoon.

The Cougars, who have won the last two CUNYAC men's indoor track and field titles, collected all four possible first place votes (coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team) and totaled 16 points.  2025 runner-up Hunter was picked second with the other first place vote and 13 total points.

Lehman and CCNY tied for third with eight points apiece, while York (5) rounded out the poll.

The 2025-26 CUNYAC men's indoor track and field Athletes to Watch were also announced Thursday afternoon.

Medgar Evers captured its second straight men's indoor track and field title in 2025, defeating Hunter 193-184.  Conference indoor track and field action kicks off this weekend.

The 2026 CUNYAC Indoor Track and Field Championships are set for Sunday, March 1 at 6 pm at The Nike Track and Field Center at The Armory.

2025-26 CUNY Athletic Conference
Men's Indoor Track and Field Preseason Coaches Poll
(first place votes in parentheses)

1. Medgar Evers (4) - 16
2. Hunter (1) - 13
T3. Lehman - 8
T3. CCNY - 8
5. York - 5

2025-26 CUNYAC Men's Indoor Track and Field
Athletes to Watch

Michael Abayev, CCNY - Abayev was the men's 800-meter conference champion during the outdoor season last season and finished second in the 400 meter hurdles.

Mateo Penafiel, Hunter - Penafiel was part of the Hawks' winning distance medley relay team at last season's indoor championship and placed third in the mile.

Eberto Fernandez, Lehman - Fernandez competed for the Lightning during the 2025 cross country season.

Reco Griffith, Medgar Evers - Griffith, the conference Rookie of the Year in indoor track and field last season, took gold three times at the CUNYAC Championship, placing first in the 60, 200 and as part of the Cougars’ 4x400 relay.

Bryan Ortiz, York - During indoor, Ortiz was part of the Cardinals' DMR squad that placed second.  He finished seventh in the 400 during the 2025 outdoor campaign.

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