Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Both the Lipscomb men’s and women’s cross country teams were picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic Sun Conference this fall.

Conference coaches voted on the preseason poll.

This is the highest preseason rating in the NCAA era for the Bisons. For the past three seasons the Bisons had been picked a consistent seventh.

“I think fifth for both the men and women is a very fair starting point for the teams,” said Bill Taylor, coach for both the men’s and women’s teams. “In the history of the program the men have only finished fifth in the A-Sun once and the highest women's finish is sixth.

The fifth place finish ties for the preseason high for the Lady Bisons who were also picked fifth in 2006.

Both teams finished sixth last season in the Atlantic Sun Conference Championships hosted by Lipscomb at the Percy Warner Park course.

“I believe both teams are better than their ranking, probably a lot better, but we will have every opportunity to prove that this season,” said Taylor. “It is in our hands, which is a great situation to be in.

“We appear to be greatly improved in talent, depth and development. It will be a fun season and I am excited to see both teams in action and improving.”