August 30, 2017

Mars Hill slated to repeat in preseason poll

The Mars Hill men's cross country team received eight first-place votes and is the favorite to win the SAC championship, per the league's preseason poll announced Wednesday. The Lions will look to repeat as conference champions heading into the 2017 campaign.

ROCK HILL, S.C. - The Mars Hill men's cross country team received eight first-place votes and is the favorite to win the SAC championship, per the league's preseason poll announced Wednesday. The Lions will look to repeat as conference champions heading into the 2017 campaign.

Mars Hill won their 19th conference championship last year and are heavily favored to claim their 20th this season. The Lions posted the top overall finisher as well as three other runners to finish in the top ten at last year's Southern Athletic Conference Championship.

Queens University picked up the remaining three first-place votes and are ranked second behind the Lions.

Rounding out the top five are Anderson University, Lincoln Memorial University, and Catawba College.

Posted below is the list of the full preseason rankings.

2017 Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll

School (first-place votes) Total

1. Mars Hill (8) 98

2. Queens (3) 93

3. Anderson 80

4. Lincoln Memorial 70

5. Wingate 68

6. Catawba 51

Lenoir-Rhyne 51