NEW ORLEANS – Ten days before the first race of the 2022 campaign, the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Associations (USTFCCCA) unveiled the preseason edition of the NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country Regional Rankings with the Rams of Suffolk University eighth on the east region list, the national organization announced.
It is the first time that the Rams made their way into the preseason poll after being a staple on the list throughout the 2021 campaign after making the program's debut Sept. 14, 2021, one week into last season's schedule.
Suffolk, the only member of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) to break into the regional rankings, was also one of eight institutions to see both their men's and women's programs to be recognized with the Rams' women earning the ninth-place in the preseason projections.
The USTFCCCA Regional Cross Country Coaches' Rankings are determined subjectively by a single member coach in each respective region. The reginal representative is tasked with weighing returning team's strengths with current season results, when applicable, in determining a rank-order of squad potential. Only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible to receive a ranking. The weekly regional ranking by the USTFCCCA began in 2010.
Suffolk is in the midst of its preseason training with the 2022 debut on tap for Friday, Sept. 2 at the Short Course Classic at Franklin Park. The men are schedule to race at 12:15 p.m. against top local competition including, Boston University, Harvard and Northeastern.