Men's Cross Country Earns Preseason Regional Ranking
8/28/2012 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo men's cross country team earned a number 11 ranking in the preseason Northeast Regional poll released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Monday.
The Bulls gained the preseason ranking based on their performance at last season's NCAA Northeast Regional Championships, held at Amherst's Audubon Golf Course, as the men's team placed seventh among 33 squads for their highest finish in school history. UB's men had four runners finish in the top 40 with Mike Pressler leading the squad, finishing 28th among 240 entrants.
During the 2011 season, the Bulls were regionally-ranked for the majority of the season by the USTFCCCA, entering the rankings in Week Four and climbing as high as 13th in the region. Preseason rankings are based on finishes at the previous season's regional meets.
"We have lost four of our top five from last year's team, however the rest of the returners look strong and expect to be competing well," stated head coach Vicki Mitchell. "We have a number of very talented freshmen, but do not expect to have a big impact in the cross country season due to the increase in distance. Our expectation is that we will be a contender for the top 10-13 in the Northeast Region."
The Bulls open the 2012 season on Saturday at Colgate's Harry Lang Invitational.
