By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State men’s cross country team has been slotted third in the 2019 Preseason MIAA Coaches Poll, released Wednesday (August 28) by the league office. It is the highest ranking in the preseason poll for the team since 2013 when it was also ranked third.
The Tigers accumulated 78 points in the voting process, 10 points clear of fourth-place Pittsburg State. Defending champion Missouri Southern earned all 10 possible first-place votes and 100 points. Nebraska-Kearney sits in second with 88 points and the final top vote.
Fort Hays State has an experienced group coming back, including 14 returners and three All-MIAA honorees. Head coach Dr. Jason McCullough added seven newcomers to the lineup, bringing in four freshmen and three transfers.
Seniors Israel Barco and Justin Moore and junior Alex Barbosa return after earning All-MIAA honors a year ago. Seppe van ‘t Westende, Reed Rome and Robbie Schmidt also return after regularly finishing in the scoring five for the Tigers last season.
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 Men’s Cross Country Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Southern (10) – 100 points
2. Nebraska Kearney (1) – 88 points
3. Fort Hays State – 78 points
4. Pittsburg State – 68 points
5. Northwest Missouri – 58 points
6. Washburn – 55 points
7. Central Missouri – 52 points
8. Emporia State – 31 points
t9. Missouri Western – 27 points
t9. Rogers State – 27 points
11. Newman – 14 points
Coaches Can’t Vote For Their Own Team