CHARLOTTE, N.C. — High Point University women's and men's cross country teams have been selected first and third, respectively, in the Big South Conference Preseason Polls. The Big South announced the coaches' results Wednesday morning.

This is the fourth year in a row High Point women's cross country has been ranked first in the Big South Preseason Poll. The Panthers received eight first-place votes which is two more than last year, while Charleston Southern received one. The women have won seven straight conference championships and are on the hunt for an eighth this season.

"Every opportunity we have, we are striving to be the best team we can be," Women's Cross Country Head Coach Remy Tamer said. "If that's championship worthy or not, your best is your best, and these ladies are on that path this year. We are in pursuit of excellence during championship season like all the other teams in the Big South. So ranked first or last, we're bringing the heat."

The High Point men's cross country team was ranked third in the Big South Preseason Poll. The Panthers are behind Charleston Southern, who received eight first-place votes while UNC Asheville earned the remaining vote.

"The poll reflects the difficult challenge ahead of us," Men's Cross Country Head Coach Mike Esposito said. "The two teams ranked ahead of us have earned that respect. I have great confidence in our group and feel strongly that we can compete for a conference championship this fall. As we always tell our student-athletes, we don't run the meet on paper."

Both the men's and women's cross country teams will start their seasons on Friday, August 30 at App State.

2024 BIG SOUTH PRESEASON WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY POLL
 
  Rk   Team (first-place votes) 
   1.   High Point (8)
   2.   Charleston Southern (1)
   3.   Radford 
   4.   UNC Asheville
   5.   Longwood
   T- 6. Winthrop  
   T- 6. USC Upstate  
   8.   Gardner-Webb 
   9.   Presbyterian College 
 
 
2024 BIG SOUTH PRESEASON MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY POLL
 
  Rk   Team (first-place votes) 
   1.   Charleston Southern (8) 
   2.   UNC Asheville (1)
   3.   High Point
   4.   Radford 
   5.   USC Upstate
   6.   Longwood 
   7.   Winthrop  
   8.   Gardner-Webb 
   9.   Presbyterian College 
 
Note: points are based on a weighted system, with first-place votes receiving 9 points, followed by 8 points for second-place, and so on. 
 

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