2023 NCAA DII Men’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll – Week 5
NEW ORLEANS – Here is the newest edition of the NCAA Division II Men’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll for the 2023 season, as released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Wednesday afternoon. Remember that this poll is conducted by counting votes from eight member coaches – one from each of the division’s eight regions – who also do the Regional Rankings.
NCAA Division II — Men's Cross Country
This Week's National Top Five
1
Colo. School of Mines
Colo. School of Mines
2
Wingate
Wingate
2
Grand Valley State
Grand Valley State
4
Adams State
Adams State
5
Colorado Christian
Colorado Christian
Cross Country Polls & Rankings
There’s confidence, and then there’s No. 1 Colorado School of Mines. Not even sitting a few pieces could deter the Orediggers from sweeping the field off its feet at the Lewis Crossover. With an average split of 24:02, and a spread of 27 seconds, it’s becoming an impractical goal to catch the runaway favorites. Wingate earned a place at the table alongside Adams State in a tie for the No. 2 slot. With Conference and Regionals ahead, the two units will have to wait for further conclusions.
On paper, the Old Glory Gallup in Dallas, Texas didn’t look like it would reveal anything major. In practice, it did wonders for No. 9 East Central (Okla.). The Tigers nearly swept a meet that held 28 teams, posting just 16 points, while the next closest opponent mustered 103.
No. 11 Lewis and No. 20 Alaska Anchorage ascended double digits following surprising showings at the Lewis Crossover. The Flyers beat out No. 12 Western Washington and No. 14 Walsh while the Seawolves defeated No. 24 Saginaw Valley State and No. 25 Wayne State (Mich.).
Witness to huge jumps as well were No. 19 Augusta (S.D.) and No. 21 Alabama-Huntsville. The Jags nearly upset No. 15 Charleston (W.Va.) at the UAH Charger Invitational, falling by three points, while the hosts skated in right behind to a third place finish. Either squad could move up given a bigger situation.
No. 7 Western Colorado, No. 16 CAL POLY Pomona and No. 18 Neb.-Kearney also improved their billing in Week 1.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 18th, as the 2023 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships will take place at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin, Missouri!
