NEW ORLEANS, La. - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced their NCAA DII regional and national rankings this week.

In the Atlantic Region, the Davis & Elkins Men's Cross Country team was selected to finish second behind conference rivals the University of Charleston, who also picked up a top-25 national ranking from the USTFCCCA at number 25. The Senators women were selected to finish third in the region behind UC and Slippery Rock, respectively. 

"These regional polls and rankings are great talking points as they build extra excitement and momentum heading into the big season ahead, " said Head Coach Jason Pyles. "But as a team we know the results and rankings that matter the most are the ones we can control on the cross country course!"

Some notes on the regional men's poll from the USTFCCCA: "A mere nine points separated the top three teams at the 2023 Atlantic Regional Championships. This year is already trending to yield the same result. Charleston (W.Va.) will be forced to tap into their depth after losing their top two individuals, turning to individual title contender Zane Chalker to lead the charge. On the other hand, Davis & Elkins return five of their top seven, filling in the gaps with a few transfers who will hopefully prevent any tiebreakers this time around. The Raiders of Shippensburg opted for a similar strategy and may look to play spoilers to the two counterparts above with the aid of a bevy of newcomers."

About the women's regional ranking, the USTFCCCA said, "After 74 points and a team title at the 2023 Atlantic Regional Championships, the Charleston (W.Va.) Golden Eagles established themselves as clear favorite in the preseason poll. One spot below, Slippery Rock split their losses this offseason by adding three freshmen to the mix to accompany the four returning members. Together, The Rock should be in for a favorable outcome. Davis & Elkins on the other hand has their entire roster back for another go."

In the NCAA DII national coaches poll, the D&E men were selected 29th, four spots behind the Golden Eagles. 

Coach Pyles said, "The team is fit and ready to have a special season ahead! I'm excited to see this team battle all season long with the goal yet again to punch tickets to the national championships in Sacramento!"

The men's and women's cross country teams will open their season this weekend at the Navy Invitational in Annapolis, Maryland on Saturday, September 7.

NCAA DII Men's Cross Country Full Regional Rankings
NCAA DII Men's Cross Country Full National Rankings

NCAA DII Women's Cross Country Full Regional Rankings
NCAA DII Women's Cross Country Full National Rankings