August 27, 2008
USA South Announces Cross Country Preseason Polls
Methodist men picked fourth and women picked fifth

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The USA South Conference office released the preseason polls today for men's and women's cross country. The polls are based on votes from each conference member's head coach without voting for themselves.

Christopher Newport has been selected first in the men's and women's preseason polls. The Methodist men were picked fourth after a fifth place finish in the USA South Championship meet last season. Four runners return from last year, but the team will look to replace the Monarchs' top runner over the last four years, Husein Nasiro-Sigo.

On the women's side, the Monarchs were picked fifth, right were they finished in 2007. Methodist returns five runners and adds two newcomers to complete the team this season. The Monarchs will need to step up to fill the shoes of First Team All-Conference runner and Methodist graduate, Krystal Patton.

Last weekend some members of the team competed in the Methodist Physician's Assistant 5K run and will compete in their first team race Sept. 12 at WakeMed Park in Cary, N.C.