NEW ORLEANS -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's cross country team is ranked No. 9 in the South Central Region Preseason poll, announced the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
 
"The No. 9 South Central Regional ranking represents our highest-ever ranking since we've been a D1 program," said cross country head coach Dr. Derek Riedel. "While there are 39 teams in the region and the national office sees us as the 9th best team in the preseason rankings, we continue to see ourselves as better than this ranking. Our men took their training to the next level over the summer and our first two weeks of practice have been sharp and very productive.
 
"We have the most complete, deep, and competitive team we have ever had. It's been a blessing to have the group of men we have on this team. They bring a sincere degree of focus and drive that will make this season a special one."
 
The Cardinals concluded the 2017 season ranked No. 12 after a 12th-place finish at the South Central Regional at Texas A&M on Nov. 11. Garrett Cortez, who will be a senior for UIW in 2018, concluded the 10K with a personal best time (31:19.1) and a 36th-place finish. This finish tied a program record for the highest finish in an NCAA race (Shayn Weidner, 36th in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional, Nov. 9, 2009).
 
The UIW men's and women's cross country teams open the 2018 season Friday at the Bear Twilight Invitational in Waco, Texas, at 7 p.m. (CT).
 
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