NEW ORLEANS - University of South Alabama men's cross country received the highest preseason ranking in the program's history Monday. The Jags are ranked fifth in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association South Region rankings.
"This is the highest the team has ever been ranked, and we are definitely taking a step in the right direction," said USA assistant coach Tim Goldsack. "By the end of the year, we want to finish higher than what we are ranked now."
The Jags have never won a cross country region title, and have not placed this high since finishing sixth in 2006 and in 1999.
"We are happy about where we are ranked right now but we want to do a lot better at the regional meet at the end of the season," Goldsack said. "We haven't met any of our goals, and we will have to prove ourselves in November."
South Alabama is the only Sun Belt Conference team ranked in the top 15. Several Southeastern Conference programs are well-represented, including Alabama and Auburn, who are ranked first and second, respectively. The Atlantic Coast Conference is also represented by Florida State at number three.
During the interview with Flotrack following the Jag's win at the Memphis Twilight, Goldsack said, "This is our coming out party; people need to know who we are. We have a very competitive team, and I think we will surprise some people." The rest of the interview can be viewed HERE.
The 2009 NCAA South Region Cross Country Championships, hosted by The University of Alabama, will be held Nov. 14 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
South Men Preseason Rankings 1. Alabama 2. Auburn 3. Florida State 4. Florida 5. South Alabama 6. Tennessee 7. East Tennessee State 8. Mississippi State 9. Georgia 10. Middle Tennessee State 11. Beltmont 12. Chattanooga 13. Ole Miss 14. Georgia State 15. Lipscomb
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