University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Sun Belt Conference Announces 2023 Cross Country Preseason Poll
8/24/2023 11:03:00 AM | Track & Field/Cross Country
NEW ORLEANS-- The Southern Miss Cross country team enters the 2023 season tabbed second in Thursday's Sun Belt Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll.
"Last year, the girls made such an impact in their first year, and with a mix of returners and talented newcomers, we are ready to compete and see if we can come out on top again this year," said head coach Nick Gibson.
In their inaugural season within the new conference, the team secured their first championship, marking a historic milestone for the program. After being projected to clinch the third spot last year, they have ascended to being regarded as the second top contender in the preseason rankings, having garnered four first-place votes.
The Black and Gold season will kick off on Sep. 1 at the Mississippi College Opener in Clinton, Miss, and the 2023 Sun Belt Conference Championships are set for Saturday, Oct. 28, at Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley, Ala.
2023 Sun Belt Conference Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll:
1. Arkansas State (6) – 159 points
T2. James Madison – 136 points
T2. Marshall (1) – 136 points
T2. Southern Miss (4) – 136 points
5. App State (2) – 123 points
6. Coastal Carolina – 103 points
7. South Alabama – 91 points
8. Louisiana – 78 points
9. ULM – 70 points
10. Troy – 51 points
11. Texas State – 45 points
12. Georgia Southern – 35 points
13. Georgia State – 20 points
Follow @SouthernMisstfxc on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
