Marshall University Athletics
Herd Men’s Cross Country Tabbed Third in Sun Belt Conference Poll
8/24/2023 2:00:00 PM | Cross Country
Defending champions, Arkansas State selected as preseason favorite
NEW ORLEANS – The Sun Belt Conference Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll was revealed Thursday afternoon, with Marshall being selected third, behind Arkansas State and App State.
"All I want my teams to be when it comes down to the championship is dangerous," Marshall head coach Caleb Bowen said. "I want the other teams to recognize that we are going to go for it. We may finish the season near the top or we may not. You never can tell what the season will hold. But you can be sure that we'll be training as hard as we can for it and we'll be tough as nails in every race we run. That you can count on."
The Herd returns 2022 All-Conference member, Evan White. Other returning members of Marshall's 2022 squad include Matthew Schenenberg, Branden Wood, and Kazuma Bowring. The Herd finished fourth at the Sun Belt Conference Championship in 2022, its highest conference finish since 2010.
Depth will be key for second year head coach, Caleb Bowen. Joining the returners for Marshall are nine new members to the team with seven freshmen and two transfers.
"The men's team has overcome a transformation from last year. Ever since we announced we were adding men's track, we have seen motivation skyrocket," Coach Bowen said. "These guys are so exciting to watch. Fifth-year seniors like Ronnie [Saunders] and Evan have stepped up and are absolutely crushing it. Then we have some younger guys that have bought into the trial of miles such as Matt, Garrett [Ferguson], and Branden and have seen some huge improvements. Add that to the depth we brought in, I just think it's going to be a special season for these guys."
2023 Sun Belt Conference Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll:
1. Arkansas State (6) – 78 points
2. App State (2) – 72 points
3. Marshall (1) – 56 points
4. South Alabama – 55 points
5. Louisiana – 48 points
6. Coastal Carolina – 36 points
7. ULM – 27 points
8. Troy – 20 points
9. Texas State – 13 points
Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @HerdTFXC for coverage all season long of Marshall cross country.
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