South Dakota State’s cross country teams earn top spots in preseason poll

BROOKINGS South Dakota States mens and womens cross country programs received first-place rankings in the Summit Leagues preseason poll, as announced by the conference on Wednesday afternoon. The Jackrabbits also scored a couple spots in the USTFCCCA (U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association) regional preseason rankings, as announced by the association Monday afternoon.

Both the mens and womens Jackrabbit squads receive their first-place rankings following a pair of conference titles from last years Summit League Championship. The mens team clutched their ninth-consecutive conference title to earn six first-place votes in the preseason poll for a total of 36 points.

The womens squad gathered four first-place ballots for a total of 45 points to land at the top of the league.

Despite the Jackrabbits impressive rankings, both squads lost strong leaders on the course, leaving a sizable space to fill. Senior Cody Larson will look to step up and lead the squad this year following an impressive year of competition. Last cross country season, Larson made podium at the conference championships, finishing third with a new personal record of 24:15.93. Sophomore Eli Hall will also be an athlete to keep an eye on. Hall posted a sixth-place finish at the Summit League Championships, taking first-team honors and the title of Newcomer of the Championship.

On the womens side, standout Meghan Ford will look to lead the squad following a tumultuous year of injury. Ford was often seen leading the squad last season with her most notable performance occurring at the Wisconsin Pre-Nationals race where the red shirt junior clocked a 6K personal record of 20:49.9 to place 12th in the race. During the conference championship, Ford finished seventh at 21:05.14 to earn first-team honors. Sophomore Courtney Stadter is another Jackrabbit to keep an eye on this season. Stadter stepped up during the conference championship, claiming bronze with a time of 20:59.88 to make first-team honors and receive the title of Newcomer of the Championship.