Men’s team picked No. 1 in MAC in preseason poll

The Kent State men’s cross country team is expected to place first in the Mid-American Conference.

The woman’s team is expected to finish fifth, but Kent State coach Mark Croghan thinks they can finish in the top three.

The rankings come from preseason predictions of MAC coaches.

“It’s nice to get the respect of other coaches that we are capable of that,” Croghan said.

Tony Jordanek, a senior on the team, is even more excited.

“It’s a good kind of pressure, something we have been waiting for,” Jordanek said. “I think this season will show how much work we put into training this year.

“I have never seen a cross country team or any team as strong and together as we are. We are going to go out and win this thing.”

The men’s team has four returning starters.

The women’s team was predicted to place fifth in the MAC, but Croghan expects the women to surprise.

“Everyone came back,” Croghan said. “We have a good group. Our goal is to be in the top three.”

The Kent State cross country teams will participate in the Tommy Evans Invitational at 10 a.m. Saturday at Firestone Metro Park in Akron.

Contact sports reporter Brian Thursby at [email protected].