Women’s Rankings | Men’s Rankings | Big Sky Preseason Polls
FARMINGTON, Utah (Aug. 27, 2024) – The United State Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its Preseason National Cross Country Coaches’ Polls on Tuesday afternoon, which has projected strong seasons for three Big Sky Conference programs.
Tied for first in the women’s poll, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks are looking to improve on their runner-up finish a year ago and go home with the top prize this season.
Both NAU and NC State, who the ‘Jacks are tied with for the top spot, received five first-place votes.
NAU was also the unanimous favorite to win the Big Sky title this season.
On the women’s side, Notre Dame, Oregon and Washington rounded out the top-five according to the USTFCCCA.
Northern Arizona’s men have been ranked No. 4 one year removed from also securing a runner-up finish at nationals, ranked behind Oklahoma State, BYU and Arkansas. OK State received all 11 available first-place votes.
This is NAU’s lowest preseason ranking since 2016.
The Lumberjack men were also projected to win the Big Sky Conference unanimously.
Yesterday, it was announced Northern Arizona Director of Track & Field and Cross Country will be stepping down at the conclusion of the 2024-25 seasons to pursue professional coaching opportunities, making this his final run for tiles with the Lumberjacks.
The Bobcats of Montana State have been tabbed No. 25 in the nation on the men’s side. Last season, MSU finished as the 13
th best team in the nation after securing that slot in the National Championship.
The 2024 men’s and women’s cross country calendar officially begins this weekend with a myriad of meets across the nation.
The Big Sky’s full schedule can be found
here.
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