Oct. 28, 2008

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State's men's and women's cross country have both been picked as the favorite to win the 2008 Western Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships according to a pre-championship coaches' poll released Tuesday by the league office.

"I'm honored that the other coaches in the WAC think that much of our program to pick us first, but all the credit goes to our runners and what they've accomplished," said veteran USU head coach Gregg Gensel. "However, it doesn't matter what people vote and think, it's what we do on the day of the race and that is what we are preparing for."

Utah State's men are the three-time defending WAC Champions after claiming team titles in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The Aggies received six first-place votes and 36 points, while Fresno State was voted second with 27 points. Boise State and Idaho tied for the third with 25 points, followed by Louisiana Tech (14), New Mexico State (11) and San Jose State (9).

"I've always been a firm believer that history doesn't mean anything, it's what you accomplish on race day," added Gensel. "We came into the season with a goal to win a WAC Championship and that is what we are striving to do Saturday."

After finishing third at the 2007 WAC Championships, Utah State's women team is picked first this year as it received five first-place votes and 60 overall points. Nevada was a close second with four first-place votes and 59 points. With 49 points, 2007 women's WAC champion Idaho was picked to finish third. Boise State received 40 points to capture the fourth spot, while Fresno State was ranked fifth with 32 points. New Mexico State was selected sixth with 30 points, followed by San Jose State (24), Hawai`i (22) and Louisiana Tech (8).

The 2008 Western Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships will take place at the New Mexico State Golf Course in Las Cruces, New Mexico on Saturday, Nov. 1. The women's 5K will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the men's 8K.

Men's Cross Country Coaches Poll


1. Utah State (6)    36
2. Fresno State      27

3. Boise State (1)   25

4. Idaho             25

5. Louisiana Tech    14

6. New Mexico State  11
7. San Jose State     9









Women's Cross Country Coaches Poll

1. Utah State (5)    60

2. Nevada (4)        59

3. Idaho             49

4. Boise State       40

5. Fresno State      32

6. New Mexico State  30

7. San Jose State    24

8. Hawai`i           22

9. Louisiana Tech     8