JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (September 15, 2008) - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its Preseason Division I regional rankings on Monday afternoon, and the ETSU men's cross country was ranked 13th in the South Region.

ETSU, who competed in its second meet of the season on Saturday, finished second at Charlotte's Bojangles Invitational. The Buccaneers were led by junior Kenneth Rotich (Nairobi, Kenya); as he went on to win his third collegiate race in his illustrious ETSU career.

Alabama, last season's regional champion, was selected first; while Auburn and Florida State rounded out the top three teams in the region. Atlantic Sun rival, Belmont, was tabbed fifth in the first poll of the 2008 campaign.  

"We are apart of a tough region, so it is a compliment for our team to receive this recognition," commented head coach David Walker. "Hopefully we can use this as motivation and move up the list by the time final rankings are released in November."

For a complete list of the regional rankings, click on the link above.

The ETSU cross country team returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 27, when the Buccaneers head down to Macon, Ga. to compete in the Mercer Invitational.

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