Sept. 17, 2009
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch (2009-10 season)
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
- Hawkeye Harriers web site
IOWA CITY, IA – The US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released their preseason coaches’ poll for the 2009 cross country season. The USTFCCCA releases a preseason poll, seven weekly polls throughout the season, as well as a final poll at the end of the season.
The University of Iowa women’s squad is ranked fourth in the Midwest region out of 15 teams, trailing only Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa State. While they did not crack the top 30 teams nationally, the Hawkeyes received 24 votes, putting them at 35th overall.
“We are pleased to be recognized in this initial poll and eager to begin our quest for a 4th consecutive NCAA appearance,” said women’s Head Coach Layne Anderson. “We have an outstanding young group and the potential for this year is tremendous. We have a lot of work to get done between now and November and would like to see this group climb up the rankings with each meet.”
The men’s squad ranks eighth in the Midwest region, one spot lower than last year’s preseason poll. Men’s Head Coach Larry Wieczorek didn’t take this preseason poll lightly.
“Honestly, I think that’s where we deserve to be right now. Every good team needs a touch of humility sometimes. Hopefully, this can help motivate us as the season progresses to move up in the rankings.”
This week, the University of Iowa cross country squads will head north to the University of Minnesota for this weekend’s Griak Invitational on September 26. Events will be held at Les Bolstad Golf Course and are slated to start at 12:10 p.m. with the men running an 8,000-meter race. The women will follow with a 6,000-meter race at approximately 12:55 p.m.
Women’s Midwest Region Preseason Rankings
1. Minnesota
2. Illinois
3. Iowa State
4. Iowa
5. Oklahoma State
6. Nebraska
7. Kansas State
8. Missouri
9. Kansas
10. Wichita State
11. Tulsa
12. Illinois State
13. Missouri State
14. Oklahoma
15. Southern Illinois
Men’s Midwest Region Preseason Rankings
1. Oklahoma State
2. Tulsa
3. Minnesota
4. Iowa State
5. Southern Illinois
6. Oklahoma
7. Missouri
8. Iowa
9. Illinois
10. Kansas
11. Nebraska
12. Illinois State
13. Loyola Chicago
14. Southeast Missouri State
15. Drake