UMBC Men’s Cross Country: A Program on the Rise and the Foundation for Future Success

The history of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County men’s cross country program is one of steady growth, resilience, and occasional championship success. While the Retrievers do not receive the same attention as basketball or soccer, cross country has quietly become one of the university’s most consistent programs. Under head coach Mike DuPaul, UMBC has taken significant strides over the past several seasons and appears positioned to continue climbing the America East Conference standings.

A Look Back at Program History

UMBC has a proud history in America East cross country competition. The Retrievers captured conference championships in 2005 and again in 2013, proving they can compete with the league’s traditional powers. Since then, programs such as UMass Lowell, Binghamton, Maine, and Stony Brook have dominated the conference, but UMBC has remained competitive and continues working toward another title run.

The program has produced numerous all-conference performers over the years and has consistently developed distance runners who also excel during the indoor and outdoor track seasons. The connection between cross country and distance track has become a major strength for UMBC.

Recent seasons have brought renewed optimism. According to the coaching staff, the 2024 season produced UMBC’s highest conference finish since 2014 and the team’s highest Mid-Atlantic Regional finish since 2015. Those accomplishments signal a program trending in the right direction.

The Mike DuPaul Effect

When Mike DuPaul returned to UMBC as head coach in 2022, the university brought back a coach who already understood the culture of Retriever athletics. DuPaul previously worked on the UMBC staff before gaining additional experience at Lafayette College. Athletic Director Brian Barrio selected DuPaul to lead both the men’s and women’s cross country programs.

The results have been impressive.

The men’s team has produced multiple all-conference athletes, improved its regional standing, and established new standards in distance running. Several school records have fallen during DuPaul’s tenure, while the men’s distance program has become one of the strongest groups within UMBC track and field.

One of the biggest signs of progress came in 2024 when the Retrievers finished 12th in the Mid-Atlantic Region, their best finish in nearly a decade. The team also produced two all-conference runners.

The Current Core

The 2026 roster features a mixture of experienced upperclassmen and promising younger runners. Several athletes have already posted strong performances during the track season, providing optimism for future cross country campaigns.

Justin Banks

Perhaps no runner better represents the future of UMBC distance running than Justin Banks.

The Frederick native has emerged as one of the premier distance athletes in the conference. During the 2026 track season, Banks posted a 3:44.33 in the 1,500 meters and a 1:49.67 in the 800 meters. Those times rank among the best in program history and demonstrate elite closing speed.

Cross country runners who possess Banks’ combination of endurance and finishing kick often become all-conference performers. As Banks continues to mature physically and mentally, expectations will only increase.

For Maryland Sports Blog readers, Banks is arguably the athlete most likely to become the face of UMBC men’s cross country over the next several seasons.

Thomas Foulkes

Veteran runner Thomas Foulkes provides stability and leadership.

Foulkes posted a 14:30.24 in the 5,000 meters during the track season, demonstrating the endurance necessary to compete in major cross country races. Long-distance specialists often form the backbone of successful cross country programs, and Foulkes has become one of those dependable contributors.

Experience matters in cross country. The ability to navigate difficult courses, adverse weather, and championship pressure often separates veteran runners from younger athletes. Foulkes gives UMBC valuable experience at the front of the pack.

Sofiane Compaorg

Senior runner Sofiane Compaorg has been one of the program’s most versatile athletes.

A native of Silver Spring, Compaorg has contributed both in cross country and middle-distance track events. A 1:50.94 800-meter runner, Compaorg combines speed with endurance and brings valuable leadership to the roster.

Every successful cross country team needs upperclassmen capable of setting the tone during training and competition. Compaorg fills that role.

Daniel Danilovitz

Daniel Danilovitz has quietly developed into one of the strongest distance runners on the team.

The Pennsylvania native posted a 29:41.03 in the 10,000 meters during the outdoor season. That mark highlights tremendous endurance and positions Danilovitz as a potential impact runner during championship cross country meets.

Cross country success is often built around athletes who can sustain a strong pace over long distances. Danilovitz fits that profile perfectly.

Joey Ensor

Redshirt sophomore Joey Ensor remains one of the more intriguing runners on the roster.

Ensor turned heads during track season with a 3:45.11 performance in the 1,500 meters. That type of speed gives UMBC another runner capable of competing near the front of conference races.

As experience accumulates, Ensor could become one of the key pieces in the program’s long-term future.

Weston Carr

Weston Carr adds depth to the lineup and has shown consistent improvement.

Carr recorded a 3:50.11 in the 1,500 meters during the track season. Continued development could allow Carr to become an important scoring runner during America East competition.

Ryan Hartranft

Sophomore Ryan Hartranft is another athlete to watch.

Hartranft posted a 3:50.39 in the 1,500 meters and continues developing within the distance program. Young runners often make dramatic improvements between sophomore and junior seasons, making Hartranft a potential breakout candidate.

Aidan Lundberg

Senior Aidan Lundberg provides additional veteran leadership.

The Calvert County native brings experience and consistency to the roster. Every successful cross country team relies on experienced runners willing to set the standard in training, and Lundberg fits that description.

Why the Future Looks Bright

One reason for optimism is the connection between UMBC’s cross country and track programs.

The Retrievers have produced conference championships in the 800 meters, 1,000 meters, distance medley relay, and 4×800 relays. Those successes indicate a distance program that is growing stronger every year. Several school records have fallen under DuPaul’s leadership, and the men’s distance runners have achieved national-level relay rankings.

The depth of talent across both programs creates healthy competition and improves training quality.

The Road Ahead

The challenge facing UMBC remains significant. America East is one of the strongest distance-running conferences among mid-major programs, with schools such as Binghamton, Maine, and UMass Lowell consistently fielding nationally competitive teams.

Yet the Retrievers have reason to believe they can close the gap.

The roster includes a strong mix of veterans and rising underclassmen. The coaching staff has demonstrated the ability to develop talent. The program’s regional results continue improving.

Most importantly, UMBC now possesses something every successful cross country team needs: momentum.

Final Thoughts

Cross country success rarely happens overnight. Programs are built through recruiting, development, consistency, and culture.

UMBC’s men’s cross country team appears to have all four ingredients.

The Retrievers may not be conference favorites yet, but the pieces are in place for continued growth. Runners such as Justin Banks, Thomas Foulkes, Daniel Danilovitz, Joey Ensor, Sofiane Compaorg, Weston Carr, Ryan Hartranft, and Aidan Lundberg provide a foundation capable of producing future all-conference performers.

For a program that already owns two America East championships and is coming off its best regional finish in years, the future looks promising on Hilltop Circle. The next breakthrough season may be closer than many realize.