XC TIGERS PICKED SEVENTH IN PRESEASON POLL

SALEM, VA (August 27, 2007)—Hampden-Sydney's cross country squad was picked seventh in the 2007 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll, which was released this afternoon. The Tigers are returning four runners from a team that finished seventh at the ODAC Championships one season ago. First-year head coach Robert "Skip" Stiles, who enjoyed a successful running career of his own at Division I University of New Hampshire, is excited to begin the challenge of moving up in the rankings.

"The seventh place pick for our team in the ODAC Preseason Poll will serve as further motivation to improve in the conference," Stiles said. "We have a young team made up of a committed group of returners, as well as a group of determined newcomers who are guaranteed to improve throughout the season."

Washington and Lee University earned all but two first place votes, and were picked to repeat as men's cross country champions. The Generals will be looking for their ninth ODAC title after cruising to a 30 place point win at last year's Championships. Bridgewater College received the remaining top votes to produce a second place nod, while Lynchburg College was picked third.

The Tigers open up Sept. 1 in Virginia Beach, VA, as they will participate in the Virginia Wesleyan Invitational. Following meets at Washington and Lee (Sept. 8) and Longwood (Sept. 15), Hampden-Sydney will host the 5K Family Weekend Run at 9 am. The remainder of the 2007 schedule is available here.

2007 ODAC Men’s Cross Country Preseason Poll

(#) Denotes first place votes

-www.hsc.edu/athletics-