NEW ORLEANS - The University of South Alabama men's cross country team continued its climb in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) poll, moving to no.4 in the South Region rankings Monday, as released by the USTFCCCA. 

"We are very happy to be ranked higher this week," assistant cross country coach Tim Goldsack said. "We still need to reach our goals and get better as the season goes on."

South Alabama is one of two Sun Belt Conference teams represented in the South's regional rankings. The No. 4 ranking is the highest the Jaguar team has ever held.

Micah Tirop, the two-time SBC champion and NCAA Championship qualifier, leads the Jags this season with two top-10 finishes. Tirop won the 37th Annual Azalea City Classic, and finished sixth in the Jags' season-opening meet at the Memphis Twilight. Freshman Zac Edwards also leads the Jags with two top-10 finishes, after a seventh-place finish at the Memphis Twilight and a second-place finish at the Azalea City Classic.

"We need to be higher than we are now to qualify for the national meet," Goldsack said. "We are practicing hard and are focused on the Pre-Nationals in two weeks."

The 2009 Pre-Nationals, hosted by Indiana State, will be held Oct. 17 in Terre Haute, Ind.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, visit  www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

South Men's Week 1 Rankings: 1. Alabama 2.  Florida State 3. Florida 4. South Alabama 5.Tennessee  6. Auburn 7. Mississippi State 8. Georgia 9. Middle Tennessee State 10. Georgia Tech 11. Beltmont 12. Kennesaw State 13. East Tennessee State 14. Ole Miss 15. Chattanooga

-USA-