Michigan State University Athletics
Women's Cross Country Ranked 17th Nationally by USTFCCCA
9/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Sept. 15, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its 2009 Top 30 Preseason Coaches' Poll today, and both the men's and women's programs have been recognized. Nationally, the women have been tabbed as the 17th-ranked team in the preseason poll, ranking fourth among all Big Ten teams on a list which includes Minnesota (eighth), Illinois (10th) and Wisconsin (15th). Also joining the rankings is Michigan (19th) and Penn State (26th), while Iowa and Indiana are also receiving votes. Sitting atop of the women's list are the defending national champions, Washington.
"I think the early ranking is recognition of a successful program," said director of cross country and track & field Walt Drenth. "I believe if we make progress, and stay well, a return trip to the NCAA Championships, and a great finish to the end of the year, is a real possibility. It's excited to be recognized, but ultimately the proof will be in the pudding."
Regionally, the women's cross country team was ranked second in the Great Lakes Region, behind Wisconsin, while the men's squad ranks seventh in their preseason regional poll.
"Our region is perennially one of the best in the country for quality and depth. There is a real chance we can finish seventh in the region and in the top 20 at the NCAA Championships. Our goal is to be an improved team and make the NCAA final - we are talented and ready for that type of progress," added Drenth about the men's squad.
Both the men's and women's teams will host the 2009 Spartan Invitational on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Forest Akers East Golf Course. The event will feature middle school, high school and collegiate runners competing in a total of 12 races.
The women's race is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., followed by the men's race at 1:35 p.m. The high school and middle school races will follow thereafter.
This event marks the second competition of the 2009 season for both teams.
Last year, the women's team took seven of the top eight spots at the Invitational, while Spencer Beatty finished fifth overall and first among the Spartan men.
All spectators must park in lot 89, at the corner of Mt. Hope and Farm Lane. A free shuttle will be provided for all fans attending the meet. Admission to the meet is $7 for adults and $5 for children, and there are no pets allowed. Directions can be found on msuspartans.com.
Players Mentioned
