The Dordt University men’s cross country team begins the 2024 season with a top 10 ranking in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ poll released this weekend by the national office.
The Defenders earned 418 points and are ninth in the initial coaches’ poll, trailing No.8 Taylor (Ind.) by 19 points. Dordt is just 58 points out of a top five ranking.
Defending national champion Milligan (Tenn.) holds down the top spot in the NAIA Preseason Poll, earning all 20 first place votes. Saint Mary (Kan.) is second, followed by Cumberlands (Ky.), who won both the indoor and outdoor track and field titles last year, Indiana Wesleyan and College of Idaho.
Dordt is one of two teams from the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) in the initial poll; Doane (12th).
this is the third consecutive season the Defenders have owned a top 10 preseason ranking
Dordt has qualified for the NAIA National Championship six consecutive seasons (since 2018)
the Defenders finished among the top 10 at the NAIA National Championship four times, including three straight seasons
Dordt placed 8th last season at the NAIA National Championship
the Defenders have won six straight GPAC titles
Dordt opens its 2024 season at home on Sept. 14 for the Sunflower Open
