FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Piedmont men's cross country team was selected first with the release of the USA South Preseason Coaches Poll on Wednesday. Jeff Jenkins will enter fourth season as head coach of the Lions and will look to capture the team's third straight conference championship this fall.
Piedmont took the conference title last season by placing five runners in the top 11 during the conference championship. Returning to lead the Lions are Nathan Galloway and Bryce Griggs, both first-team selections last season.
The Lions took the top spot by receiving 93 points and four first place votes while Covenant placed second with 85 points. USA South newcomer Berea College placed third with 76 total points and received six first-place votes.
Methodist was voted fourth with 74 points and one first-place vote while Maryville rounds out the top five with 68 votes.
The USA South will welcome several new additions to men's cross country this fall. Huntingdon College and N.C. Wesleyan College have added the sport to begin collegiate competition this season while Berea College, Brevard College and Pfeiffer University have established programs but are beginning their first season as USA South member institutions. Brevard and Pfeiffer are currently transitioning from NCAA Division II and are not eligible to compete for a championship for All-Conference accolades this year but their student-athletes will be invited to participate in the Conference Championship event.
2017 USA South Men's Cross Country Coaches Preseason Poll
Rank Institution (1st Place Votes) Pts.
1. Piedmont (4) 93
2. Covenant 85
3. Berea (6) 76
4. Methodist (1) 74
5. Maryville 68
6. Averett 54
7. Huntingdon 47
8. LaGrange 41
9. Ferrum 26
10. N.C. Wesleyan 22
11. William Peace 19
--- *Brevard -
--- *Pfeiffer -
*Ineligible for USA South Championship (Div. III Reclassifying Member)
