The University of Southern Indiana women’s cross country team jumped four spots to No. 11 in the latest U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, while the Screaming Eagles slipped one spot to No. 6 in the men’s Top 25.
USI’s women are coming off a strong showing at the Greater Louisville Classic this past Saturday that saw them finish 20th out of 30 teams, including third in a stout NCAA Division II field that featured five nationally-ranked teams.
The Eagles, who moved to No. 4 in the latest USTFCCCA Midwest Region rankings, are one of three Great Lakes Valley Conference squads and seven Midwest Region teams to find a spot in the latest Top 25 poll.
GLVC foes Bellarmine University and Lewis University each lost ground in this week’s ranking. The Knights fell three spots to No. 13, while the Flyers slipped two spots to No. 15.
Midwest Region foe Hillsdale College continued its hold on the nation’s No. 1 spot, while Grand Valley State held its spot at No. 3. Northern Michigan University (No. 9) and Ashland University (No. 24) rounded out the Midwest Region’s representation in the women’s rankings.
USI’s men also are coming off a strong finish at the Greater Louisville Classic. The Eagles finished 10th out of 24 teams, one spot behind No. 1 Grand Valley State.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside fell two spots to No. 14 to join the Eagles as the only two GLVC teams in the men’s Top 25. Grand Valley State (No. 1) and Saginaw Valley State University (No. 22) rounded out the Midwest Region teams in this week’s rankings.
The Eagles return to action October 17 when they compete at the University of Evansville Invitational at Angel Mounds. The GLVC Championships are October 24 in Somers, Wisconsin, while the NCAA II Midwest Region Championships return to Evansville and Angel Mounds November 7. The NCAA II National Championships are November 21 in Joplin, Missouri.
