The fourth Dalton State sports team has been recognized as an elite member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Men’s cross country jumped into the NAIA Top 25 with the poll released Wednesday night. It took the season’s seventh poll, but the Roadrunners are now number 25.
This marks the first ever national ranking in cross country. It is the team’s second year of competition and first season of poll and postseason eligibility.
With 135 votes, Dalton State is the only Southern States Athletic Conference team in this week’s top 25. Defending SSAC champions William Carey (MS) was outside of the top 25 with 31 votes.
SCAD Savannah (72 votes) is the only other Georgia School in the ranking, but Tennessee Wesleyan in Athens, TN jumped from eighth a week ago to number four.
Dalton State Co-Cross Country Coach Andy Meyer said recognition is good for a new athletic department. “It’s a great honor and a testament to the support from Dalton State, our athletic directors, our community and Coach (Margie) Bruner,” said Meyer. “These young kids have embraced the challenge of building a program and responded with the character, the pride and dedication we thought they had. They have now layed the foundation of success and others will have to match.”
“What coaches Meyer and Bruner and their team has done in a year and a half is nothing short of amazing,” said DS Athletic Director Derek Waugh.
Defending national champions Oklahoma City is atop the poll for the ninth consecutive time.
Men’s cross country joins three other teams in the NAIA Top 25. Men’s basketball is 15th, women’s golf is 12th, and men’s golf is 14th this week.