GVSU Women, Saint Augustine’s Men Remain DII No. 1 Teams

NEW ORLEANS – The Saint Augustine’s men and Grand Valley State women remain atop the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Assocation (USTFCCCA) National Team Computer Rankings this week, with several teams on the men’s side charging hard for a chance at the top spot.

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The Falcons of Saint Augustine’s remain on top for the second consecutive week after a net gain of 7.08 points for a team total of 210.32, boosted by seven top-15 performances in the sprints and hurdles. CIAA 60 hurdles champion Moussa Dembele moved into the division-lead with a 7.75, while 2012 Jamaican Olympian Dane Hyatt extended his lead in the 400 with a 46.77.

Hot in pursuit of the top ranking is another bird of prey in the No. 2 Ashland Eagles, who improved 16.96 net points for a score of 205.03. Ashland’s big boost came from eight top-15 performances across the board, including the No. 2 time in the 4×400 relay (3:11.63), the second-best pole vault performance in DII by Eric Klucar (16-8¾/5.10m) and the No. 3 shot putter in Donald Duke (58-7¼/17.86m)

After a slight free-fall in the rankings a week ago due to the removal of preseason data, the Adams State Grizzlies are making a charge back toward the top on the strength of their distance crew. The Grizzlies, ranked No. 1 just two weeks ago, gained 48.99 points for a total of 177.69 and a jump to No. 3. Between the mile, the 3000 and the 5000, Adams State earned four DII top-four times, including the division-leader in the 3000, Tabor Stevens (7:57.56 OT) and No. 2 Kevin Batt just behind him (7:57.62 OT).

Defending national champion Grand Canyon slides one to No. 4 (153.34), and the Grand Valley State men round out the top five (127.89).

The GVSU women, two-time defending DII champions, claim the top spot in the rankings for the 21st consecutive week despite slipping 15.6 net points to a team total of 193.62. The Lakers’ margin at the top grew, however, due to No. 2 Lincoln (Mo.) losing 27 net points for a team total of 176.73.

 Academy of Art retains its No. 3 ranking and gains 8.51 net points for a 158.84 team total, while Grand Canyon (118.05) and Ashland (117.00) switch spots at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively.

Like their male counterparts, the Adams State women are also back into the mix at the top of the rankings with a vengeance. The Grizzlies gained 54.07 team points and jumped seven spots to No. 6 (115.84) after falling from No. 2 to No. 13 during last week’s rankings shakeup. Seven top-10 distance performances are behind the jump, led by No. 1 at 3000 Alicia Nelson (9:32.45 OT).

The National Computer Team Rankings project how a team will finish in a National Championship Meet setting, rather than a triangular or dual. The rankings are compiled from meet data in the 2012-13 season.

The next round of computer rankings will be released February 19. The 2013 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships will be held in Birmingham, Ala., March 7-9.

Biggest Jump (Men): 12 – Abilene Christian
Biggest Jump (Women): 43 – Seattle Pacific