For Immediate Release: September 2, 2008
Contact: David O'Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6478

Men picked third, women fifth in America East Preseason Cross Country Polls

VESTAL, N.Y.--The America East Conference has released its 2009 cross country polls and the Binghamton men's team is ranked a program-best third out of nine teams. The Bearcat women, meanwhile, have been chosen to finish fifth this season. The voting was done by the nine head coaches. Teams were not allowed to vote for themselves.

New Hampshire was the pick to win its fourth consecutive America East men's title, having earned 58 points, including four of the eight possible first-place votes. Stony Brook was second with 54 points and a pair of first-place votes. Binghamton, meanwhile, tallied 53 points and earned a first-place vote for the first time in its program history. Boston University (fourth with 47 points) earned the other first-place vote. The Terriers were followed in the poll by Maine, Albany, Vermont, UMBC and Hartford.

Graduate student Chris Gaube and junior Erik van Ingen are the top returning runners on the men's side this season. The duo placed third and fourth respectively at last year's America East Championship.

Stony Brook was the unanimous choice to win its third straight conference crown, having earned 64 points and all eight possible first-place votes. Boston University was second and received the other first-place nod. New Hampshire and Vermont finished ahead of Binghamton while Maine, Albany, UMBC and Hartford rounded out the poll.

Junior Ashley Horton, who placed 16th at the 2007 America East Championship, is the top returning runner.

The America East Championship races will be held on Oct 31 with Vermont as the host school.