NEW ORLEANS, La. - The USTFCCCA released the first national coaches' poll for the upcoming 2024 season on Tuesday afternoon, and the Colonels are getting national recognition.

Coming off of last season ranked No. 31 in the final poll, the EKU men's cross country team bring high expectations into the new season, receiving 177 points in the preseason poll to come in at No. 14 in the nation. The two-time defending ASUN champion squad returns ASUN individual champion and ASUN Preseason Runner of the Year Taha Er Raouy as well as a host of experienced runners. National Champions Oklahoma State top the poll at No. 1, receiving all 11 first place votes. BYU and Arkansas round out the top three.

Additionally, the Colonel men rank No. 2 in the Southeast region, just behind defending regional champion North Carolina. The women, who grabbed the bronze at last season's ASUN championship, rank No. 12 in the Southeast region as well.

The squads open the season with a home meet on August 30 before the season kicks into gear at the Mike Baumer Cross Country Classic hosted by Wright State on Sept. 6.

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