Sept. 7, 2004

GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Furman men's and women's cross country teams were both picked to finish fourth in the Southern Conference according to voting by the league's coaches, it was announced this week. The Paladins placed fourth, while the Lady Paladins finished second at the 2003 Southern Conference Championships. The Paladins return junior Tyler Johnson who finished sixth at last year's league championship. The Lady Paladins return a wealth of talent from a squad that missed a SoCon title by one point in 2003. Five of Furman's top six finishers from 2003 return, led by seniors Whitney Sharp and Molly Mungovan. Appalachian State and 2003 champion Chattanooga tied for first in the men's preseason poll with 95 points. The Mountaineers took six first place votes and the Mocs grabbed five. In the women's poll, Chattanooga garnered seven of 12 first place votes to take preseason honors followed by Davidson, Appalachian State and Furman. The Lady Paladins recieved two first place votes. The Furman cross country teams open the 2004 season at the Catamount Classic in Cullowhee, N.C., this weekend. Women's Cross Country Poll 1. Chattanooga (7) 112 2. Davidson (2) 105 3. Appalachian St (1) 103 4. Furman (2) 102 5. Western Carolina 75 6. UNC Greensboro 70 7. East Tennessee State 57 8. Coll. of Charleston 50 9. Georgia Southern 47 10. Elon 39 11. The Citadel 21 12. Wofford 11 Men's Cross Country Poll T1. Appalachian State (6) 95 T1. Chattanooga (5) 95 3. East Tennessee State 79 4. Furman 69 5. Western Carolina 58 6. UNC Greensboro 56 7. Davidson 55 8. The Citadel 38 9. Coll. of Charleston 25 10. Elon 25 11. Wofford 10