USTFCCCA Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— When the University of New Mexico women’s cross country team lines up at the starting line this Saturday at the Lobo Invitational, they will do so as the unanimous No. 1 team in the country, as announced by the USTFCCCA (U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association) on Tuesday.
The 2017 NCAA champions received 330 points in the preseason poll, collecting all 11 first-place votes. Colorado ranked second with 317 points and Stanford rounded out the top-three spots with 306 points.
“It’s wonderful to be recognized by your peers as the top team in the country,” said Joe Franklin, who is entering his 12th year as the head coach of the Lobos.
Wisconsin, who UNM will face in the coming weeks at the Wisconsin Nuttycombe Invitational on Friday, Sept. 28, checked in at seventh with 246 points.
Joining the Lobos in the rankings from the Mountain West was fifth-ranked Boise State (285 points) and 10th-ranked Utah State (218 points). Colorado State was receiving votes in the poll.
The Lobos begin their season this Saturday, Sept. 1 at 9:50 a.m. at the University of New Mexico Golf Course.