ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State men's cross country team was picked to finish as the Missouri Valley Conference runner-up for the 2018 campaign, while the women's team was tabbed fifth, in the annual MVC cross country coaches' preseason poll, announced the league Thursday morning.
The Redbird men, who return their top-eight runners from the 2017 team that claimed third-place at the MVC Championship and 12th at the NCAA Midwest Regional, finished second with 67 voter points behind Valley-favorite Bradley. After winning the MVC Championship last season, the Braves received all nine first-place votes for a total of 81 points. The 'Birds will look to prevent Bradley from winning their fourth-consecutive Valley title this season.
Rounding out the top-five in the men's poll was 2017 MVC Runner-Up Indiana State (60 points), Loyola (51 points), and Drake (49 points).
The Illinois State women received a total of 63 voter points to be seeded fifth in the preseason coaches' poll, one slot ahead of where the 'Birds ended the 2017 season. The Redbirds will combine experience with a wealth of talented new faces this season. Kennidi Knoblock, Annie Moore, and Phoebe Clowser will be faces to watch.
After winning the MVC Women's Cross Country Championship and taking sixth at the NCAA Midwest Regional a year ago, Bradley was selected to win the conference, receiving nine first place votes and 99 points. Loyola earned 88 points and the final first-place vote, claiming second in the poll. Indiana State was tabbed third with 74 points, and 2017 Valley Runner-Up UNI followed in fourth with 73 points.
The Illinois State men's and women's cross country teams will open the 2018 season on Friday, Aug. 31 when they travel to Iowa to compete in the Hawkeye Invitational. The women's 4K race is slated for 6 p.m., with the men's 6K commencing at 6:45 p.m.
To view the full MVC cross country coaches' preseason poll, visit mvc-sports.com. For more information on the upcoming season, follow @Redbird_TrackXC on Twitter or visit GoRedbirds.com.
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