KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The SBU men's cross country team was picked to finish fourth in the 2010 MIAA preseason coaches poll. In 2009, SBU made their first ever team appearance at the NCAA Championships and placed 15th nationally.

Southern received six of eight first-place votes and totaled 48 points to claim the top spot. Last season, MSSU won the NCAA South Central Regional title and placed 11th at the NCAA Championships.

Central Missouri was voted in the No. 2 slot in the preseason poll, earning one first-place vote and 41 points. Pittsburg State also received one first-place vote, accumulating 35 points to take the No. 3 spot. Southwest Baptist is No. 4 after receiving 27 points. PSU finished second at the 2009 MIAA Championships at third at regionals, while SBU finished third at the conference meet and second at regionals. UCM placed fourth at last season's MIAA Championships.

Fort Hays State comes in at No. 5 with 21 points, followed by Emporia State at No. 6 with 20 points, Northwest Missouri at No. 7 with 19 points and Truman at No. 8 with 13 points.

The 2010 cross country season is set to begin September 3, when both SBU teams host the Bearcat Invitational. The 2010 MIAA Cross Country Championships will be run November 6 in Hays, Kan.

2010 MIAA Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Southern (6) – 48 pts.
2. Central Missouri (1) – 41 pts.
3. Pittsburg State (1) – 35 pts.
4. Southwest Baptist – 27 pts.
5. Fort Hays State – 21 pts.
6. Emporia State – 20 pts.
7. Northwest Missouri – 19 pts.
8. Truman – 13 pts.