Oilers Amongst Best in Midwest Region Preseason Poll
Findlay, Ohio- The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released the preseason edition of the NCAA Division II Cross Country Regional Rankings for the 2022 season on Tuesday, Aug. 30. The Oilers squads are both ranked, as the womens are in the eighth spot in the Midwest Region while the men are ranked ninth in the Midwest Region.
Regional Rankings are determined subjectively by a single member coach in each respective region. The regional representative is tasked with weighing returning teams' strength with current season results (if applicable) in determining a rank-order of squad potential. Only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible to receive a ranking. Teams with provisional status within the region may be ranked.
Regional Championships Saturday is set for Saturday, November 19.
Women's Rankings
Defending regional champion Grand Valley State is No. 1 to begin the season, while last year's third-place team Cedarville sits No. 2. The Lakers, who finished second at the NCAA Championships, bring back four First Team All-Americans and welcome several newcomers to the group. The Yellow Jackets return six of their top-7 athletes that ran at the NCAA meet.
Saginaw Valley State, Hillsdale and Lewis round out the preseason top-5.
Midwest Region-
- Grand Valley State
- Cedarville
- Saginaw Valley State
- Hillsdale
- Lewis
- Wayne State
- Walsh
- Findlay
- Southwest Baptist
- Drury
Men's Rankings
Defending regional champion Grand Valley State is No. 1 to begin the season, with last year's third-place team Walsh at No. 2. The Lakers, who are the defending national championships, welcome back three of their top runners that helped them win an NCAA title, including national runner-up Tanner Chada. The Cavaliers return six of their top-7 athletes from last year and add several newcomers.
Michigan Tech, Wayne State (Mich.) and Lewis round out the preseason top-5.
Midwest Region-
- Grand Valley State
- Walsh
- Michigan Tech
- Wayne State
- Lewis
- Saginaw Valley State
- Cedarville
- Illinois-Springfield
- Findlay
- Northwood
The Oiler cross country teams will kickoff their seasons this Friday, Sept. 2 at the Vic Godfrey Open in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
To read more, visit: http://www.ustfccca.org/2022/08/featured/2022-ncaa-dii-womens-cross-country-regional-rankings-preseason and http://www.ustfccca.org/2022/08/featured/2022-ncaa-dii-mens-cross-country-regional-rankings-preseason .