Men's Cross Country Ranked Second in Preseason NEC Coaches Poll
The Blue Devils were picked second in the Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll.
The Central Connecticut men's cross country team was picked second in the Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll announced Monday. The Blue Devils finished second in last season's championship and had four runners in the top 10.
Head coach Eric Blake, heading into his 15th season, has guided CCSU to a league-best 10 NEC titles. Under Blake, the men's cross country team became the first team in any sport in league history to win nine straight titles (2009-2017). CCSU is bolstered by the return of three-time All-Conference honorees Yankarlos Diaz and Jake Ireland, as well as James Sullivan, a two-time recipient of the honor. Sullivan finished fourth (25:05.5) at last season's championship, followed by Ireland's seventh place finish (25:23.1) and Diaz in ninth (25:27.9).
Merrimack and Stonehill were picked third and fourth, respectively. Saint Francis U and Sacred Heart were ranked just ahead of league newcomer Le Moyne, while FDU rounded out the poll.
Central will open the season at LIU on September 9. The 2023 NEC Cross Country Championship is scheduled for October 28 and will be hosted by LIU. All nine NEC institutions are eligible to participate in the championship.