The San Angelo Standard-Times has launched its preseason vote for Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year, with the poll presented by City National Bank. The reader poll focuses on West Texas athletes as the high school cross country season gets ready to begin.
The timing matches the start of fall sports preparations in the region. According to the preview, most 2026 fall teams in West Texas are set to begin practice on Monday, Aug. 3, putting cross country back in the spotlight as schools move into preseason training.
Cross country has a strong tradition in West Texas, and the poll gives fans a chance to recognize runners before official competition starts. Rather than looking back at the full season, the preseason format highlights the athletes generating the most attention heading into the opening weeks.
Readers who follow high school sports in San Angelo and across West Texas can take part by selecting the runner they believe deserves the preseason honor. The feature serves as an early-season snapshot of which boys cross country athletes have built the most momentum ahead of 2026 competition.
