The Southern Oregon University cross country teams have achieved their highest preseason rankings in a decade, with the men's team placed at No. 3 and the women's team at No. 10 in the NAIA Top 25 coaches' poll. These rankings come after solid finishes at the previous year's championships, where the men took sixth and the women twelfth. Key returning athletes include Mason Weisgerber, Carter Stedman, and Alyssa Johnson, alongside star transfer Andrew Rush. Last week, the men were forecasted to win the Cascade Conference while the women were predicted to finish second. The season kickoff is set for September 5 at the Simpson Invitational in California.

By the Numbers
  • Men's team ranked No. 3 with 522 points in the NAIA Top 25.
  • Women's team ranked No. 10 with 383 points.
State of Play
  • The men's team is favored to win the Cascade Conference, while the women are projected to finish second.
  • Three other men's teams from the Cascade Conference are in the Top 10 nationally.
What's Next

The Raider teams will open their season on September 5, aiming to build on their rankings and previous championship performances. They will strategically prepare to capitalize on their roster's strength, particularly with returning athletes and new talent.

Bottom Line

Southern Oregon's cross country teams are positioned for a competitive season ahead, with strong preseason rankings reflecting their potential for success. Focused training and performance in early competitions will be crucial to maintaining and improving these standings.