2022 NCAA DII Men’s Cross Country Regional Rankings – Preseason

NEW ORLEANS – Cross country season is back!

Here is the preseason edition of the NCAA Division II Men’s Cross Country Regional Rankings for the 2022 season, as released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Monday afternoon.

Regional Rankings are determined subjectively by a single member coach in each respective region. The regional representative is tasked with weighing returning teams’ strength with current season results (if applicable) in determining a rank-order of squad potential. Only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible to receive a ranking. Teams with provisional status within the region may be ranked.

Regional Championships Saturday is set for Saturday, November 19.

Atlantic Region

Defending regional champion Charleston (W.Va.) is No. 1 to begin the season, followed by last year’s runner-up Edinboro at No. 2. The Golden Eagles return three All-Region athletes, including one All-American, from last year’s squad, while the Fighting Scots return a talented team as well.

Concord, Davis & Elkins and Shippensburg round out the preseason top-5.

Central Region

Defending regional champion Augustana (S.D.) is No. 1 to begin the season, followed by last year’s runner-up Missouri Southern at No. 2. The Vikings return a core group from their lineup that placed fourth at the NCAA Championships, while the Lions bring back four of thier top-7 athletes from last year.

Pittsburg State, Neb.-Kearney and Central Missouri round out the preseason top-5.

East Region

Defending regional champion American International is No. 1 to begin the season with last year’s runner-up Southern Connecticut at No. 2. The Yellow Jackets welcome back four key runners from last year’s squad and added a few talented newcomers, while the Owls return five of their top-7 and will be supported by a solid recruiting class.

Franklin Pierce, Roberts Wesleyan and Adelphi round out the preseason top-5.

Midwest Region

Defending regional champion Grand Valley State is No. 1 to begin the season, with last year’s third-place team Walsh at No. 2. The Lakers, who are the defending national championships, welcome back three of their top runners that helped them win an NCAA title, including national runner-up Tanner Chada. The Cavaliers return six of their top-7 athletes from last year and add several newcomers.

Michigan Tech, Wayne State (Mich.) and Lewis round out the preseason top-5.

South Region

Defending regional champion Lee (Tenn.) is No. 1 to begin the season, while regional runner-up Alabama-Huntsville is No. 2. The Flames return five of their top-6 from last year’s team that competed at the NCAA Championships and welcome a handful of transfers that will add to their depth. The Chargers return two of their top-6 and are said to have athletes ready to step in and make an impact.

Mississippi College, Embry-Riddle (Fla.) and Florida Southern round out the preseason top-5.

South Central Region

Adams State, who finished second at last year’s regional championships, will begin the season at No. 1, with defending regional champion Colorado School of Mines starting the year at No. 2. The Grizzlies bring back four athletes from last year’s team and have a handful of talented newcomers that are expected to make some noise, while the Orediggers return Dillion Powell and a talented lineup as well.

Colorado Christian, Western Colorado and UC-Colorado Springs round out the preseason top-5.

Southeast Region

Defending regional champion Wingate begins the season at No. 1, followed by last year’s fourth-place team Augusta. The Bulldogs return six of the seven athletes who helped them finish sixth at the NCAA Championships, while the Jaguars return several members from last year’s lineup.

Anderson (S.C.), Emmanuel (Ga.) and Catawba round out the preseason top-5.

West Region

Defending regional champion Chico State will begin the season at No. 1, followed by regional runner-up Fresno Pacific at No. 2. The Wildcats are said to have their entire lineup back from last year’s team that finished eighth at the NCAA Championships and have a great supporting cast. The Sunbirds welcome back six of their top-7 runners and added several newcomers to the mix.

Cal Poly Pomona, Azusa Pacific and Western Washington round out the preseason top-5.