NEW ORLEANS – Just over a week away from the first race of 2023, the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) unveiled the preseason edition of the NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country Regional Rankings with the Rams of Suffolk University ninth on the east region list, the national organization announced.
It is the second time that the Rams made their way into the preseason poll after being a staple on the list throughout the last two campaigns and making the program debut Sept. 14, 2021.
Suffolk, the only member of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) to break into the regional rankings, was also one of seven east institutions to see both their men's and women's program to be recognized on the preseason list with the Rams women earning a program-best preseason position of eighth.
The USTFCCCA Regional Cross Country Coaches' Rankings are determined subjectively by a single member coach in each respective region. The regional representative is tasked with weighing returning team's strengths with current season results, when applicable, in determining a rank-order by squad potential. Only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible to receive a ranking. The weekly regional ranking by the USTFCCCA began in 2010.
Suffolk, who welcomes back All-CCC performer Hayden Green, and is under the leadership of seventh-year head coach Will Feldman, is in the midst of its preseason training with the 2023 debut on tap for Friday, Sept. 1 when the Rams host the Short Course Classic at Franklin Park.