The University of Akron Athletics
Women Second, Men Seventh in Preseason Cross Country Poll
August 26 | Cross Country
- Mid-American Conference cross country coaches have selected The University of Akron women's cross country team to place second and men seventh in the preseason coaches poll released Wednesday.
This year's women's top three teams directly reflects the finishing places in last fall's Mid-American Conference Championship with Miami on top followed by Akron and Ohio. Toledo, Kent State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Bowling Green are predicted to be in the middle of the pack. Western Michigan, Buffalo, Ball State, and Northern Illinois round out the poll.
The Zips will be lead this year by the senior trio of Larisa Arcip, Sediah Erskine, and Danielle Sidell, each of which placed the top 45 of last years Mid-American Conference Championship. Also being counted on heavily this season, by third year head coach Scott Jones, are juniors Kim Lorentz and Cassie Schenck, each earning All Mid-American Conference honors last season.
On the men's side, the top three are composed of Kent State, Miami, and Central Michign each coming off a top four finish in the Mid-American Conference Championship meet last year. Eastern Michigan and Buffalo complete the top five spots in the poll. Akron, Toledo and Bowling Green round out the preseason poll.
Second year head coach Lee LaBadie will have a young, but experienced men's team this fall. Leading the way will be junior Joe McCoy as well as sophomores Adam Stackpole and Gus Dudek. Each competed in all six meets last fall helping Akron to a seventh place finish in the Mid-American Conference Championship meet.
The Zips will open the season as they play hosts for the Tommy Evans Invitational on Saturday, September 5th at Firestone Park. The women's team won the meet last year, with the men placing second.
2009 Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Miami
2. Akron
3. Ohio
4. Toledo
5. Kent State
6. Central Michigan
7. Eastern Michigan
8. Bowling Green
9. Western Michigan
10. Buffalo
11. Ball State
12. Northern Illinois
Predicted Women's Cross Country Champion:
Miami
2009 Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Kent State
2. Miami
3. Central Michigan
4. Eastern Michigan
5. Buffalo
6. Ohio
7. Akron
8. Toledo
9. Bowling Green
Predicted Men's Cross Country Champion: Kent
State
