Women’s Cross Country Fifth, Men 14th in Preseason Coaches’ Regional Rankings

Aug. 30, 2010

CLEMSON, SC – The Clemson women are ranked fifth and the Tiger men are 14th in the preseason, according to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) preseason poll released Monday. The women’s team is one of seven ACC schools ranked in the top 15 of the Southeast Region.

The women’s team returns most of its top performers, including All-ACC and all-region standout Lauren Reen. The women also welcome 11 newcomers, many of whom will have the chance to contribute this season.

The men’s team finished a disappointing 15th at last year’s Southeast Region Championships in Louisville, KY, but looks to rebound with a fresh set of faces this season. In all, seven newcomers were added to the Tiger roster in the offseason. Several have a chance to have an immediate impact this season, including 2009 USA Junior Olympic cross country champion Ty McCormack. However, the key returnee for the Tigers could be senior Chris Slate, the team’s top performer last season at the ACC Championships and Southeast Region Championships.

The season gets underway Friday at 6:00 PM at the Gamecock Invitational in Columbia, SC. The Tigers will hold a home meet on Friday, Sept. 17 at Musser Farms.