Cross Country Tops National and Regional Preseason Polls
ADA, Okla. – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association released its NCAA Division II National Coaches Poll and Regional Rankings, and the East Central University men's cross country team is leading the way, ranking No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in the Central Region for the 2024 season.
ECU has consistently been a top contender in the polls, ending the 2023 season at the top of the Central Region and achieving a top-five spot ranking in the nation. However, this year, the Tigers' remarkable rise from a preseason ranking of No. 25 to No. 2 is a historic leap that represents their highest preseason ranking ever as a program.
Following what can only be described as an incredibly historic 2023 campaign, capturing its ninth Great American Conference title with a perfect score of 15 points, clinching both individual and team titles at the Central Region Championships, and securing a spot on the podium with a program-best third-place finish at the National Championships, the USTFCCCA rankings reflect their outstanding achievements.
The Tigers return all seven of their 2023 NCAA Champion squad, including four All-Americans –
Aspel Kiprob,
Amos Pkiach,
Oliver Kiptoo, and
Peter Kipkemboi. In addition, they have bolstered their lineup with
Brian Mitei, a transfer out of the University of Central Missouri who had a strong finish at the Central Region Championships placing ninth individually.
With this depth and experience, ECU is poised for continued success with the opportunities that lie ahead. The 2024 season will also bring the added excitement of hosting the Great American Conference Championships on their home turf in October.
The ECU cross country team will open their season on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Southern Nazarene Invitational in Bethany.
