CHARLOTTE, N.C. — High Point University’s men’s and women’s cross country teams were ranked first and third, respectively, in the Big South Conference preseason polls. The Big South announced the coaches’ results Wednesday morning.
This is the fourth consecutive year that High Point’s women’s cross country team finished first in the Big South Preseason Poll. The Panthers received eight first-place votes, two more than last year, while Charleston Southern received one. The women have won seven straight conference championships and are in the hunt for an eighth this season.
“We strive at every opportunity to be the best team we can be,” Head Coach of Women’s Cross Country Remy Tamer said. “Whether that’s championship worthy or not, the best is the best, and these ladies are on that path this year. Like all other teams in the Big South, we strive for excellence during championship season. Whether we’re in first place or last place, we’re pushing.”
High Point’s men’s cross country team finished third in the Big South Preseason Poll. The Panthers trail Charleston Southern, which received eight first-place votes, while UNC Asheville received the remaining votes.
“The survey reflects the difficult challenge that lies ahead,” Head Coach Men’s Cross Country Mike Esposito said. “The two teams ranked ahead of us have earned that respect. I have a lot of confidence in our group and I firmly believe we can compete for the conference championship in the fall. As we always tell our student-athletes, we don’t run the competition on paper.”
Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams begin their seasons on Friday, August 30th at App State.
2024 BIG SOUTH PRE-SEASON POLL FOR WOMEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY
Rk Team (votes for first place)
1. Climax (8)
2. Charleston South (1)
3. Radford
4. UNC Asheville
5. Long timber
T-6. Winthrop
T-6. USC Upstate
8. Gardner-Webb
9. Presbyterian College
2024 BIG SOUTH PRESEASON MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY POLL
Rk Team (votes for first place)
1. Charleston South (8)
2. UNC Asheville (1)
3. Climax
4. Radford
5. USC Upstate
6. Long timber
7. Winthrop
8. Gardner-Webb
9. Presbyterian College
Note: Points are awarded according to a weighted system. First place votes receive 9 points, second place votes receive 8 points, and so on.
#GoHPU
