Atlantic Sun Release

MACON, Ga.- The Kennesaw State men’s cross country sit atop the preseason coaches’ poll for the second straight season, the Atlantic Sun conference announced Wednesday. After winning back-to-back conference championships, the Owls bring back most of their squad as they seek a third title.

“It is a great honor to have the men's team recognized for their talent and efforts," Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Andy Eggerth said. "The team will have a lot to live up to this season but we are definitely looking forward to it being a good one."

Losing Nathan Haskins and Piotr Witczak to graduation, Kennesaw State returners junior Nabil Hamid and Jaakko Nieminen were the top two finishers for the Owls in the A-Sun Championship last season. The duo, along with Witczak, were named to the All-Conference First Team for finishing in the top ten of the race.

For the second straight season, the squad made it to the NCAA South Region where they finished ninth overall as a team. Hamid finished the highest for the Owls in 14th which earned him an All-Region honor.

Kennesaw State starts off their season in Nashville. at the Belmont Invitational on Sept. 2nd. This meet will provide a preview to the A-Sun Conference Championship which was be held on the same course at the end of October.

2011 Atlantic Sun Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll

Rank School (First Place Votes)
1. Kennesaw State (9)
2. Belmont (1)
3. North Florida
4. USC Upstate
5. ETSU
6. Mercer
 t-7. FGCU
 t-7. Lipscomb
9. Stetson
10. Jacksonville