Lions ranked Third in Southeast Region

MARS HILL, N.C.-- The Mars Hill men's cross country team is ranked third in the Southeast Region in the latest U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Poll (USTFCCCA), which was released Tuesday.

Mars Hill turned in a strong performance at the Louisville Classic this weekend, with several runners turning in season-best times. As a team, the Lions ran a season-best average time of 26:29.40. Mars Hill was previously ranked fifth in the Southeast Region. The USTFCCCA poll is the official poll of NCAA Cross Country.

The Lions are one of two South Atlantic Conference teams ranked in the region. Wingate came in at seventh in the poll. National rankings will be released tomorrow.

USTFCCCA rankings are determined subjectively by a single-member coach in each respective region. The regional representative is tasked with weighing returning team strength with current-season results in determining predicted finish in the NCAA Regional Championships. The top three teams at Regionals receive automatic-qualifying bids to the NCAA National Championship.

The Lions placed fourth in last season's Southeast Region championship. This year's Southeast Regional Championship will be held in Charlotte, N.C. on Nov. 3. The National Championships will be held Nov. 17 in Joplin, Mo.

The Mars Hill men's cross country team will compete in the Royals Pre-Regional in Charlotte, N.C. on Oct. 12.