Posted: September 14, 2005

Athletics: Arkansas Cross Country Ranked No. 3 in Preseason Poll

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The United State Cross Country Coaches Association (USCCCA) released its preseason poll on Tuesday night and the Razorbacks found themselves ranked third in the nation. Arkansas received three first place votes and 460 points, but the Hogs are not far behind the first and second-ranked teams.

Last year’s national runner-up, Wisconsin, grabbed the early No. 1 spot with 465 points and nine first-place votes, while 2004 NCAA champion, Colorado, was given four first place votes and 462 points. BYU was picked to finish fourth (414) and Stanford rounded out the top five with 409 points.

“That’s about where I thought we would be ranked,” Arkansas head coach John McDonnell said. “Wisconsin and Colorado are very good teams and they have almost everyone coming back, but I like our chances too. If we stay healthy we’ll have a great team at nationals.”

At last year’s NCAA Cross Country Championships the Hogs finished third, earning 202 points. Senior Josphat Boit was UA’s top finisher in third and senior Marc Rodrigues was the other Razorback to pick up an All-America honor with a 25th place showing. With those two returning All-Americans, improved underclassmen and a talented pool of true freshmen, the Razorbacks are ready to show their strength as the 2005 season gets under way.

Arkansas is the only Southeastern Conference team found in the top 30 and one of two South Central regional teams placed in the top 10. In the South Central regional poll UA was ranked No. 1, followed by Texas at No. 2 and Rice at No. 3.

Baylor will host the NCAA South Central Regional Championships on Nov. 12, in Waco, Texas. The 2005 NCAA Cross Country Championships will be held on Nov. 21, in Terre Haute, Ind., at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course.

Mondo Men’s Ncaa-I Cross Country Poll

Ranking      Team (first place votes) Points
1.                 Wisconsin (9)             465
2.                 Colorado (4)                462
3.                 Arkansas (3)               460
4.                 BYU                           414
5.                 Stanford                      409
6.                 Iona College                384
7.                 Notre Dame                 373
8.                 Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 337
9.                 Texas                              335
10.               Arizona                            330
11.               Arizona State                  318
12.               Georgetown                    266
13.               Ohio State                      249
14.               Air Force                        243
15.               Butler                              241
16.               Iowa                                239
17.               Indiana                            204
18.               North Carolina State         197
19.               William & Mary                185
20.               Florida State                   164
21.               Portland                          141
22.               UTEP                               130
23.               American                        124
24.               Providence                      122
25.               Minnesota                        102
26.               Colorado State                 88
27.               Michigan                          64
28.               Oklahoma State               60
                    Oregon                            60
30.               Michigan State                  49
                   Northern Arizona             49          
 
South Central Region Poll
1.                            Arkansas
2.                             Texas
3.                             Rice
4.                             Texas A&M
5.                             Baylor
6.                             A&M-Corpus Christi
7.                             Stephen F. Austin
8.                             LSU
9.                             UT-Pan American
10.                         Sam Houston
11.                         Lamar
12.                         Houston
13.                         UT-San Antonio
14.                         North Texas
15.                            TCU