On Friday, the Collegiate Conference of the South released its preseason Coaches Poll for Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field.
Covenant was picked tied for fifth place with seven points on the men's side while the women's team was selected fifth with 16 points.
Across both teams, the Scots return two conference champions from 2023 in Emma Christensen who won the High Jump and Cheney Byrd who was first place in the Discus event.
Along with Christensen, the women's team will rely on strong senior campaigns from Daehla Smith and Lydia Dorman. Also keep an eye out for Evangelia Berry, a freshman who had impressive results in the indoor season.
Josiah Mellott is another key returner on the men's side as he placed second in the 5k a year ago. Another exciting freshman in the program is Ethan Saiki, who won CCS Rookie of the Year in Cross Country and put up some good times in the indoor swing.
Year two of outdoor season for head coach Eli Kaczinski begins March 8th-9th at the Myrtle Beach Collegiate Open.
2024 CCS Men's Track and Field Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Piedmont 24 points (4)
2. Berea 22 points (2)
3. Maryville 16 points
4. Belhaven 14 points
T5. Covenant 7 points
T5. Huntingdon 7 points
2024 CCS Women's Track and Field Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Piedmont 34 points (4)
2. Berea 33 points (3)
3. Belhaven 24 points
4. Maryville 20 points
5. Covenant 16 points
6. Huntingdon 14 points
7. Wesleyan 6 points