Sept. 8, 2006

RICHMOND, Va. - The Colonial Athletic Association released its preseason coaches poll for cross country on Friday. According to a vote of the league's head coaches, the George Mason men's team was picked to finish fifth, receiving 35 total points, including a first-place vote, while the women's team was predicted to finish 10th, with 13 points.

Both the William and Mary men's and women's cross country teams were picked to successfully defend their CAA titles in 2006.

A winner of six consecutive CAA titles, the Tribe men's team received seven first-place votes and 63 total points. Georgia State, which got one first-place vote, and James Madison, which has been the CAA runner-up for the past six years, were tied for second with 52 points. Delaware was fourth in the poll with 41 points, followed by George Mason, which received the remaining first-place vote, VCU, Hofstra, Northeastern and UNC Wilmington.

William and Mary was the overwhelming favorite to claim the women's title, receiving nine first-place votes and 81 total points. James Madison received one first-place vote and 73 points to earn second in the poll, while Georgia State was picked third with 59 points and Delaware was close behind with 58 points. Towson was picked fifth in the poll, followed by Hofstra, Northeastern, UNC Wilmington, VCU and George Mason.

Both the George Mason men's and women's cross country teams begin their season this Saturday. The men travel to Earlysville, Va. to compete in the Lou Onesty Invitational at Panorama Farms, while the women will take part in the Towson Invitational at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Md.

2006 CAA CROSS COUNTRY PRESEASON COACHES POLL

MEN
1. William and Mary 63 (7 first-place votes)
2. Georgia State 52 (1 first-place vote)
James Madison 52
4. Delaware 41
5. George Mason 35 (1 first-place vote)
6. VCU 34
7. Hofstra 23
8. Northeastern 13
9. UNC Wilmington 11

WOMEN
1. William and Mary 81 (9 first-place votes)
2. James Madison 73 (1 first-place vote)
3. Georgia State 59
4. Delaware 58
5. Towson 44
6. Hofstra 41
7. Northeastern 39
8. UNC Wilmington 27
9. VCU 15
10. George Mason 13