Wichita, Kan. – The McPherson College men’s and women’s cross country teams rank third and seventh, respectively, in the annual KCAC Cross Country Preseason Coaches’ polls. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon by the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference office.
The men garnered 47 points to edge Kansas Wesleyan University for the third position. Southwestern College took their annual spot at No. 1 with 63 points and seven first place votes. Friends University ranked second.
On the women’s side, Kansas Wesleyan University took the top spot with 61 points, including six first place votes. Friends University (58 points), Southwestern College (52 points), Bethany College (34) and Sterling College (34) rounded out the top five spots.
The Bulldogs received 24 points to take a respectable seventh place in the poll.
McPherson opens its 2010 season at the J.K. Gold Classic, an event annually hosted by Wichita State University, on Saturday, Sept. 4.
KCAC Cross Country Preseason Polls
Men’s Poll
1. Southwestern College (7) – 63
2. Friends University (1) – 56
3. McPherson College – 47
4. Kansas Wesleyan University (1) – 45
5. Ottawa University – 33
6. Sterling College – 25
7. Bethany College – 22
8. Tabor College – 20
9. Bethel College – 13
Women’s Poll
1. Kansas Wesleyan University (6) – 61
2. Friends University (2) – 58
3. Southwestern College (1) – 52
4t. Bethany College – 34
4t. Sterling College – 34
6. Tabor College – 28
7. McPherson College – 24
8. Bethel College – 23
9. Ottawa University - 10