LATHAM, N.Y. - Penn State Harrisburg's men's and women's indoor track & field teams earned a share of the top spots in the United East Preseason Coaches' Polls released ahead of the start of the 2025-26 season.


Penn State Harrisburg's women tied for the top spot in the poll alongside St. Mary's (Md.), with both programs receiving a pair of first-place votes. Back this season for the Lions is reigning United East indoor 400m champion and 800m silver medalist Destiny Samuels. Also returning is the conference's outdoor high jump champion in Carson Villani, as well as the United East's outdoor pole vault champion in Katrin Cavanaugh, among others. 


Behind the Penn State Harrisburg and St. Mary's (Md.), Lancaster Bible ranked third in the preseason coaches' poll and secured the final first-place vote. Cairn was tabbed fourth, while Gallaudet rounded out the top five.


On the men's side, the Lions tied for the top spot in the poll along with St. Mary's (Md.), with both programs receiving two of five possible first-place votes. Returning this season for Penn State Harrisburg is reigning United East Indoor Field Athlete of the Year and conference triple jump champion Jonathan Luo, as well as all-conference performers in Zakareya Aidel, Connor Daubert, Nathan Cammauf and Matthew LaBarge, among others.


The Lions are set to open the 2025-26 indoor campaign at Franklin & Marshall's Diplomat Open on Friday afternoon, Dec. 7.


Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.