The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its preseason poll and for the first time in the program’s history the Lee University men’s cross country team was ranked in the top 25 of the NCAA Division II poll. The Flames collected 21 points to land at the No. 24 spot after finishing the 2015 season at 26th.
Defending champion Colorado Mines received five first-place votes to earn the top position. Grand Valley State gathered the final three first-place votes and settled into No. 2. Just ahead of the Flames at No. 23 were Southwest Baptist with 23 points. Walsh University was 25th (17 points).
“It’s very humbling for our men,” said Lee head coach Caleb Morgan. “They have put in a lot of work the last couple of years to be in this position early in the season. We are eager to see what the season holds for our team.”
The Flames are the top-ranked team in the South Region. Alabama Huntsville is second, Nova Southeastern is third and Florida Southern is fourth. Saint Leo, the defending region champion, rounds out the top five.
Lee’s women are third in the South Region. The University of Tampa is first in the region and No. 25 in the nation, while Saint Leo is second. Union University and Alabama Huntsville are the final teams in the top five.
Both squads open their seasons Sept. 10 at the Furman University Cross Country Classic in Greenville, S.C.