UMO: Men's XC team ranked nationally in preseason

By UMO Media Relations
Published in Sports on September 4, 2016 1:49 AM

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UMO Media Relations

MOUNT OLIVE -- One week before they open their 2016 campaign, the University of Mount Olive men's cross country team is ranked No. 19 in the NCAA Division II United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) poll.

The Trojans also hold the No. 1 spot in the Southeast Region.

"Being ranked 19th by the USTFCCCA was a surprise," said UMO head coach Matt van Lierop, director and head men's and women's track and field and cross country coach.

"After finishing 29th in the 2015 NCAA Division II national championship (meet), we expected to have to prove ourselves as a team again. The USTFCCCA apparently thought differently and we are excited about the ranking."

UMO claimed its fourth straight Conference Carolinas championship and reached the NCAA Division II national finals for the fifth consecutive year. The Trojans won the Southeast Regional.

Five of the team's top seven runners return this season.

The Trojans open the season Sept. 10 at the Furman (SC) Invitational.