The four-time defending national champion Adams State women’s cross country team will face some of its toughest competition within the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, according to the preseason poll released Wednesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The Grizzlies women are ranked No. 1, with Western State No. 3 and Colorado-Colorado Springs No. 11.
Adams State edged Western by seven points last season for the Division-II title and returns four all-Americans: Brittany Somers, who placed eighth at the championships and won the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Heather Wood, Tanya Gaurmer and Lavenna Mullenbach
The Adams State men, who finished second at the championships last season, are ranked second behind last year’s champion, Abilene Christian. The Grizzlies’ Aaron Braun is the defending champion in the 1,500-meters. Western State is ranked No. 3, Colorado Mines No. 7, and Metro State No. 15.
DU women’s golf ranked in preseason poll
The University of Denver women’s golf team, coming off its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament, is ranked No. 18 in the Golf World/National Golf Coaches Association preseason poll.
The Pioneers return four of the five players that played in the tournament. Sophomore Stephanie Sherlock, who won the Sun Belt Conference championship last season and the Canadian Amateur championship this summer, was tabbed a Top 50 player to watch.
