ATLANTA, Ga. – Coming off a 2022 season where the EKU men dominated with 18 points to win their first ASUN Championship, the team ranks first in the ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll. The women's team ranks third behind Lipscomb and Kennesaw State.
 
The men received 11 out of 12 first-place votes to total 142 points. Lipscomb earned the other first-place vote to pick up 129 points. North Florida (119), Bellarmine (107), and Central Arkansas (88) round out the top 5.
 
On the women's side, Lipscomb picked up all 12 first-place votes to earn 144 points. Kennesaw State ranks second with 123 points while the Colonels totaled 121 points. North Florida (110) and Queens (96) round out the top 5.
 
In 2022, the men finished in sixth place at the NCAA Southeast Regional, which was the highest non-Power 5 finish in the region, finishing ahead of teams like Virginia Tech, in-state foe Kentucky and Liberty. The women finished in third place at the ASUN Cross Country Championships and claimed 12^th place at the NCAA Southeast Regional last year. The Colonels open their season with their home meet against Louisville and Kentucky on Sept. 1.
 
Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
Pl. Team (1st Place Votes)     Points
1. EKU (11)                            142
2. Lipscomb (1)                      129
3. North Florida                      119
4. Bellarmine                          107
5. Central Arkansas                88
6. North Alabama                   79
7. Queens                                77
8. Kennesaw State                  70
9. FGCU                                 46
10. Stetson                              33
11. Jacksonville                      28
12. Austin Peay                       18
 
Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
Pl. Team (1st Place Votes)    Points
1. Lipscomb (12)                    144
2. Kennesaw State                  123
3. EKU                                    121
4. North Florida                      110
5. Queens                                96
6. Bellarmine                          77
7. Central Arkansas                61
8. Stetson                                58
9. Jacksonville                        54
10. North Alabama                 40
11. FGCU                               38
12. Austin Peay                       14
 
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