FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State University men’s cross country team has been picked fifth in the 2016 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released by the league office Thursday morning (Aug. 25).
The Tigers picked up 51 points in the voting process, just three points behind third-place Northwest Missouri. Nebraska-Kearney tops the poll with 74 points after being listed atop six ballots. Pittsburg State was given three top selections, finishing just behind the Lopers with 71 points. After the two top squads, the next five teams are separated by just six points. Southwest Baptist picked up one more point than FHSU to finish fourth, while Missouri Southern and Central Missouri sit in a tie for sixth with 48 total points. Lindenwood has been picked to finish eighth with Emporia State and Washburn rounding out the top-10.
Head coach Jason McCullough returns three runners that finished in the top-five at the Central Region Championships last season, including seniors Troy Wineinger and Jacob Thomas and sophomore Israel Barco. Notable additions to the squad include junior transfer Oscar Carmona, a member of the 2015 NJCAA National Champion Iowa Central Tritons, and freshman Kaleb Crum, who broke Tiger great Cory Keehn’s freshman record at the team’s annual time trial.
The Tigers will to host the 30th Annual FHSU Alumni Run on Saturday, August 27 at the Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. The race will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Intercollegiate competition will begin on Friday, September 2 when FHSU sends runners to the Border Classic in Johnson City, Kan. and the Trojan Invitational in Colby, Kan. The gun will go off in both races at 6 p.m.
Fort Hays State will host a pair of meets in 2016 at the Sand Plum Nature Trail, beginning with the Sand Plum Invite on Thursday, September 15 at 6 p.m. The regular season comes to a close with the FHSU Tiger Open on Saturday, October 8 beginning at 8:40 a.m.
2016 MIAA Preseason Men’s Coaches Poll
1. Nebraska-Kearney (6) – 74
2. Pittsburg State (3) – 71
3. Northwest Missouri – 54
4. Southwest Baptist – 52
5. Fort Hays State – 51
T6. Missouri Southern – 48
T6. Central Missouri – 48
8. Lindenwood – 21
9. Emporia State – 18
10. Washburn – 13