For the first time in program history, the Lee University women’s cross country team is ranked first in the NCAA Division II South Region and have turned that into another jump within the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Assocation (USTFCCCA) National Poll.

The Lady Flames were ranked No. 25 in the preseason poll, moved to No. 19 in last week’s poll and climbed another five spots this week to land at No. 14. The current ranking is the highest ever for the women’s program.

The Flames also maintained their top position in the South Region. Unlike the Lady Flames, the men fell three spots in this week’s ranking to No. 17.

“Both teams are making very good progress through the season,” said Lee head coach Caleb Morgan. “We are right where we want to be going into our off week. The last couple of weeks have been a big step forward for our women’s team. We look to carry this momentum into the rest of the season.”

Lee’s next competition is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 29. The Lady Flames and Flames travel to Charlotte, N.C., for the Royals XC Challenge hosted by Queens University of Charlotte.

Adams State and Grand Valley State hold the top two positions in both polls. Adams State is the top-rated men’s team and Grand Valley State is leading the women’s poll.

For the second time this season and the second-consecutive week, Lee University's Christian Noble has been announced as the Gulf South Conference Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week.

"Christian's consistency continues to pay off with his second runner of the week award this season," said Lee head coach Caleb Morgan. "He has run faster than anyone in the GSC and South Region so far this season. We would love for him to pick up our first men's GSC Runner of the Year honor and South Region Runner of the Year honor."

Noble was the first Lee runner across the finish line at the Pre-Nationals Stegemoller Classic in Evansville, Ind. The sophomore finished seventh overall with a time of 24:50.5.