By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State women’s cross country team enters the 2019 season ranked fourth in the Preseason MIAA Women’s Cross Country Coaches Poll, released Wednesday (August 28) by the league office. It is the second year in a row the Tigers have been slotted fourth in the preseason rankings.
The Tigers picked up 111 points in the voting process, just eight behind third-place Nebraska-Kearney. Defending league champion Pittsburg State tops the list with eight first-place votes and 138 points while Missouri Southern is close behind with three top votes and 135 points.
Fort Hays State head coach Dr. Jason McCullough brings a relatively young roster into 2019, made up of two seniors, nine sophomores and four freshmen. The Tigers still have plenty of experience on the squad, however, as they return four of their top six runners from a year ago. Joining eight returners is a talented group of seven newcomers, including four freshmen and three transfers.
Senior Tessa Durnell was one of the top five finishers for FHSU in all six races last season, while fellow senior Mirena Goncalves was second for the Tigers in two of her three appearances in 2018. Sophomores Abigail Stewart and Averi Wilson are back after making a big impact as true freshmen last year, as both finished in the top of the six for the Tigers in each contest.
The Tigers open the season this Saturday, August 31 when they host the 33rd annual Sand Plum Alumni Open at 9:30 a.m. After two road trips in September, FHSU will return to Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. to host the eighth annual FHSU Tiger Open on October 12 beginning at 9 a.m.
2019 Preseason MIAA Women’s Cross Country Coaches Poll
1. Pittsburg State (8) – 138 points
2. Missouri Southern (3) – 135 points
3. Nebraska-Kearney (1) – 119 points
4. Fort Hays State – 111 points
5. Washburn – 96 points
6. Central Missouri (1) – 76 points
7. Missouri Western – 75 points
8. Northwest Missouri – 73 points
9. Newman – 67 points
10. Central Oklahoma 41 points
11. Emporia State – 36 points
12. Rogers State – 33 points
13. Lincoln – 14 points
Coaches Can’t Vote For Their Own Team