Aug. 19, 2010
ST. LOUIS -
The Illinois State men's and women's cross country teams were picked to finish in third and second place, respectively, in the 2010 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll announced Thursday, as voted on by the league coaches.
"The rankings were not a big surprise if you look at last year's conference results," said head coach Jeff Bovee. "The polls are pretty true to form on both the men's and women's sides. The difference for the 2010 season was that our women received some first place votes, where last year they did not. I think the difference there was that we have a lot of returnees back this season, as well as a good recruiting class."
The women were tabbed to finish the season in second place behind Wichita State. The Shockers had 97 points with seven first-place votes, while the Redbirds earned 88 points along with two first-place votes. Missouri State, Bradley and Indiana State rounded out the top-five in the MVC preseason poll. Bradley received one first place vote.
"On the women's side, the depth of our team is a strength for us," said Bovee. "Wichita State has a very strong first three, and they are running on their home course for the championship, so at this point they should be the favorite. As the season goes on, we will continue to develop our depth and try to extend our front runners to get them to match up with Wichita State runners and the other top programs in the conference. If we can do that, we will have a good chance at a championship later in the fall."
Sarah Glowacki and Kirsten Lang are the Redbirds top returners after crossing the finish line in eighth and 10th place, respectively, at the Valley championships in the women's 5K. Glowacki and Lang earned all-conference accolades for their performances at the championships.
On the men's side, the Redbirds are expected to take third with 63 points. Southern Illinois and Indiana State are tied for first place with 74 total points each. Southern Illinois received five first-place votes. Wichita State and Northern Iowa round out the men's top-five in the preseason poll.
"The men's side is completely different than the women's side," said Bovee. "We have a very good first few guys, but we are going to need less experienced guys to step up, but the good thing is that some of those guys had strong track seasons. Jim Link and John Navarro are going to be able to come in and help us right away after redshirting last season. We have our work cut out for us with Indiana State and Southern Illinois."
Matt Mroczynski and Jon Roberts will return to lead the Redbirds during the 2010 season. Mroczynski finished in 12th place individually in the men's 8K at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championships with a time of 26:44, while Roberts crossed the finish line in 13th place with a time of 26:46.
"Illinois State, Indiana State and Southern Illinois have gone back and forth the past few years and changed positions in the top-three spots," said Bovee. "We are looking to climb to the top of the ladder this year, but it is going to take us the season to develop the guys and get them some more experience."
The Redbirds will open their 2010 season at the Hawkeye Invitational in Iowa City, Iowa, Friday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.
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