Tuesday, September 15, 2009

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 15, 2009) - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its 2009 preseason regional rankings on Monday, and the ETSU men's cross country team was tabbed seventh in the NCAA South Regional.

The Bucs, who finished seventh a year ago at the regional race in Maryville, Tenn., were ranked ahead of SEC powers Mississippi State (8^th) and Georgia (9^th), along with Atlantic Sun rivals Belmont (11^th) and Lipscomb (15^th).

"It's a compliment the voters selected us as the seventh best team in the region," commented head ETSU cross country coach David Walker. "We compete in one of the toughest regions, and our guys will need to work hard each week to stay in the top-10."

Last season's regional champion, Alabama, was ranked first with Auburn and Florida State rounding out the top three positions.

ETSU will get an up-close look at the top teams in the regional this Friday afternoon, as the Bucs compete at the 21^st Annual Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The 8K race will be held at the Harry Pritchett Running Park at 5:30 p.m. 

For more information regarding Buccaneer cross country, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.