Photo by: Andrew Pedersen
Bobcat Cross Country Teams Selected Fourth in Big Sky Preseason Poll
8/21/2019 10:43:00 AM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
The Montana State cross country squads head into the 2019 season with a strong core of returners and look to be competitive against conference competition when the Big Sky Championships take place in November
FARMINGTON, Utah – The Montana State cross country squads head into the 2019 season with a strong core of returners and look to be competitive against conference competition when the Big Sky Championships take place in November. Both the MSU men's and women's teams were picked to finish fourth in their respective Big Sky preseason coaches' poll, announced on Wednesday by the league office.
The Montana State men's team received 84 points to sit ahead of Idaho (73) and Idaho State (65). The Bobcat women's squad received 83 points to edge Idaho (78) in the poll collected by the conference's head coaches.
The Bobcat men's program placed fourth at last season's championship, which was its best showing at the meet since 2013. The team returns all but one of its runners from its conference lineup and added two standout freshmen that claimed Montana high school state championships in cross country.
Montana State's women's squad was highlighted by Kelsi Lasota's efforts during the 2018 season as she claimed a silver medal at the 2018 Big Sky meet. While the team finished sixth at last season's conference championships, the Bobcats return four runners from that group and another two that have previously ran at the Big Sky meet.
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks were picked to sweep the Big Sky Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships. The NAU men were a unanimous selection to repeat as champions after collecting their third straight NCAA Championship trophy. On the women's side, NAU received nine first-place votes to hold the top spot in the preseason poll.
Southern Utah edged out Weber State for second place in the men's poll with 99 points, while the Wildcats received 98 points. Southern Utah's women received two first-place votes for 99 points and Weber State followed with 91.
The MSU cross country program begins its 2019 season in Helena on Sept. 6 competing in the Carroll College Early Bird meet. The Bobcats are slated to host the 43rd MSU Cross Country Classic on Sept. 21 at Bridger Creek Golf Course.
Men's Preseason Poll
1. Northern Arizona (11) – 121
2. Southern Utah - 99
3. Weber State - 98
4. Montana State – 84
5. Idaho – 73
6. Idaho State – 65
7. Northern Colorado – 50
8. Portland State – 40
9. Eastern Washington – 38
10. Sacramento State – 34
11. Montana - 24
Women's Preseason Poll
1. Northern Arizona (9) – 119
2. Southern Utah (2) – 99
3. Weber State – 91
4. Montana State – 83
5. Idaho – 78
6. Montana – 59
7. Idaho State – 54
T8. Portland State – 46
T8. Sacramento State – 46
10. Eastern Washington – 31
11. Northern Colorado - 20
The Montana State men's team received 84 points to sit ahead of Idaho (73) and Idaho State (65). The Bobcat women's squad received 83 points to edge Idaho (78) in the poll collected by the conference's head coaches.
The Bobcat men's program placed fourth at last season's championship, which was its best showing at the meet since 2013. The team returns all but one of its runners from its conference lineup and added two standout freshmen that claimed Montana high school state championships in cross country.
Montana State's women's squad was highlighted by Kelsi Lasota's efforts during the 2018 season as she claimed a silver medal at the 2018 Big Sky meet. While the team finished sixth at last season's conference championships, the Bobcats return four runners from that group and another two that have previously ran at the Big Sky meet.
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks were picked to sweep the Big Sky Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships. The NAU men were a unanimous selection to repeat as champions after collecting their third straight NCAA Championship trophy. On the women's side, NAU received nine first-place votes to hold the top spot in the preseason poll.
Southern Utah edged out Weber State for second place in the men's poll with 99 points, while the Wildcats received 98 points. Southern Utah's women received two first-place votes for 99 points and Weber State followed with 91.
The MSU cross country program begins its 2019 season in Helena on Sept. 6 competing in the Carroll College Early Bird meet. The Bobcats are slated to host the 43rd MSU Cross Country Classic on Sept. 21 at Bridger Creek Golf Course.
Men's Preseason Poll
1. Northern Arizona (11) – 121
2. Southern Utah - 99
3. Weber State - 98
4. Montana State – 84
5. Idaho – 73
6. Idaho State – 65
7. Northern Colorado – 50
8. Portland State – 40
9. Eastern Washington – 38
10. Sacramento State – 34
11. Montana - 24
Women's Preseason Poll
1. Northern Arizona (9) – 119
2. Southern Utah (2) – 99
3. Weber State – 91
4. Montana State – 83
5. Idaho – 78
6. Montana – 59
7. Idaho State – 54
T8. Portland State – 46
T8. Sacramento State – 46
10. Eastern Washington – 31
11. Northern Colorado - 20
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
Sunday, October 31
Friday, October 27
Wednesday, November 13
Wednesday, October 23
