FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Christopher Newport men's cross country team collected a pair of first-place votes and finished second overall in the Capital Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the league's head coaches and announced by the conference office on Thursday morning.
The Captains earned 21 points in the rankings, which slotted them just behind York (Pa.), who received the other four first-place votes. Following the top-two squads, Mary Washington finished third in the preseason poll, while Southern Virginia, Salisbury, and St. Mary's (Md.) rounded out the group.
York is the defending conference champion after the Spartans unseated Christopher Newport, who won the previous three league titles before placing second in 2018.
Entering the new year, the Captains welcome back
Jason Putnam, who is a two-time All-Conference and All-Region selection. The rising senior finished 31st at least year's NCAA South / Southeast Championships after coming in 18th at the league meet.
In addition to Putnam, Christopher Newport returns two other competitors who finished in the top-25 during last year's CAC Championships.
Nick Tolarchyk placed 24th overall at the title competition, while
Ryan Henderson was on his heels in 25th.
Overall, the Captains feature 13 runners with collegiate experience, including eight in either their third or fourth year of action. Among those, Putnam and
Ian Dors comprise the squad's senior class.
Led by first-year head coach
Danny Feldman, Christopher Newport begins the 2019 campaign on August 30 when the team treks to Fredericksburg for the Mary Washington Cross Country Opener.
2019 CAC Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll
Rank
|
Institution
|
Points (First-Place Votes)
|
| 1. |
York |
24 (4) |
| 2. |
Christopher Newport |
21 (2) |
| 3. |
Mary Washington |
16 |
| 4. |
Southern Virginia |
13 |
| 5. |
Salisbury |
11 |
| 6. |
St. Mary's |
5 |
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