October 20, 2005
Men's Cross Country
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY CLIMBS IN LATEST REGIONAL POLL

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Bolstered by a strong showing at the NCAA Pre-Nationals meet on Saturday (Oct. 15), the Indiana State men’s cross country team has risen to the No. 6 position in the latest Great Lakes Regional Poll. This marks the highest spot the Sycamores have ranked since being moved into the Great Lakes Region by the NCAA in 1997.
   “We have slowly moved up the polls each week, and it’s a credit to our young men who have worked hard this season,” said head coach John McNichols. “The Great Lakes Region has a reputation as being one of the strongest regions in the country and has traditionally received numerous at-large bids to the NCAA Championships.”
   The Sycamores took 13th place in the White Race of the Pre-Nationals, finishing ahead of numerous regional counterparts. The Sycamores started the year ranked No. 10 in the pre-season poll and have steadily climbed the rankings throughout the season.
   Wisconsin holds the top spot in the region, followed by Notre Dame and Michigan. Indiana and Ohio State round out the top five. The Great Lakes Regional encompasses Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, and includes 35 Division I programs.
   The Sycamores return to action on October 29 when they compete at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships. ISU earned a share of the title last year, and is looking for back-to-back championships under McNichols.

Great Lakes Regional Poll #4
1. Wisconsin
2. Notre Dame
3. Michigan
4. Indiana
5. Ohio State
6. Indiana State
7. Eastern Michigan
8. Michigan State
9. Miami (Ohio)
10. Ohio University
11. Purdue
12. Wisconsin-Milwaukee
13. Central Michigan
14. Oakland University
15. Kent State