With all but two members of last seasons team that finished as runner-up at the Valley Championships, the Illinois State mens cross country team is picked to finish second behind Northern Iowa in the Missouri Valley Conference pre-season coaches poll.
The Redbirds received two first place votes and came up five points behind Northern Iowa, which tallied six first place votes.
Leading the way for the Birds this season is the top returning male in the Valley, junior Christian Goy, who placed third at last years championship.
On the womens side, the Illinois State team is picked to finish eighth. Northern Iowa is picked to win the womens title, also receiving four first place votes.
The Birds begin their season under new head coach Jeff Pigg on September 8 at the Bradley Open.
