Aug. 22, 2007

MACON, Ga. - With A-Sun All-Freshman runner Peikko Solla leading the way, the men's cross country team earned a second place predicted finish as the Atlantic Sun Conference released its 2007 Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll.

Kennesaw State finished with 126 points in the poll voted on by the conference's top 12 head coaches. The Owls are behind last year's champions, Belmont who garnered all 12 first place votes for a total of 144 points. ETSU was picked third with 126 points.

"These polls are simply speculative," said assistant head coach Don McGarey. "They don't reflect who gets on the line and brings home a championship. I'm really excited about the team that we have put together this season. They are talented group that is going to surprise the conference."

The Owls have lost key runners like Tim Goldsack and Dan Gormley, but have added a strong incoming class to compliment Solla, KSU also boasts and a solid core of returnees including Michael Johnson, Maxwell Ndungu and Nathan Haskins.

"We have a great roster of returning runners," commented McGarey. "But we are going to be looking for help from our newcomers as well."

The Owls will begin the season on September 1 when they travel to the Jacksonville State Cross Country opener in Jacksonville, Alabama.

# School (1st Place Vote) Points
1. Belmont (12) 144
2. Kennesaw State 126
3. ETSU 123
4. Gardner-Webb 102
5. UNF 96
6. Campbell 90
7. Lipscomb 64
8. Mercer 56
9. Florida Gulf Coast 49
10. USC Upstate 41
11. Stetson 29
12. Jacksonville 16