HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University men’s cross country team is ranked ninth in the Southeast region in the USTFCCCA preseason regional rankings.
After finishing the 2013 campaign in the ninth position, the Panthers remain in the same spot heading into the 2014 season.
HPU is one spot ahead of Big South foe Liberty (No. 10) and also is ranked ahead of Kentucky (No. 11), Wake Forest (No. 12), Appalachian State (No. 13), Furman (No. 14) and Clemson (No. 15).
NC State tops the southeast poll, while Virginia and Eastern Kentucky round out the top-3.
HPU returns 10 of 13 student-athletes from a 2013 squad that finished second at the Big South Championship and ninth at the NCAA Southeast Regional. Four of the Panthers’ top five Big South finishers will see action in 2014.
HPU opens the 2014 season on Sept. 5 at the Hokie Invitational in Blacksburg, Va.
USTFCCCA Preseason Regional Rankings – Southeast
1. NC State (ACC)
2. Virginia (ACC)
3. Eastern Kentucky (OVC)
4. North Carolina (ACC)
5. William and Mary (CAA)
6. Virginia Tech (ACC)
7. Louisville (ACC)
8. Duke (ACC)
9. High Point University (Big South)
10. Liberty (Big South)
11. Kentucky (SEC)
12. Wake Forest (ACC)
13. Appalachian State (Southern)
14. Furman (Southern)
15. Clemson (ACC)