HBCU MEN'S XC PRESEASON DIVISION I TOP 5

Division 1- Top 5

1.

Florida A&M- In 2018, distance powerhouse FAMU had 6 runners under 25 minutes, capped off with a 23:57 performance by David Too. Although he has transferred to Iowa State, the squad returns a good amount of athletes to compete for the best HBCU team. . Unfortunately, they are in their second year of ineligibility for post-season competition which leaves the MEAC wide open. This year, they should be led by Fredrick Kipyego, our Preseason Runner of the Year.

2.

Arkansas Pine Bluff- the defending 2018 SWAC Champs, they return their solid core of runners. Led by Wade Garner, who has steadily improve each season, they return a top 5 with runners all under 27:30. This should bode well as they look to repeat as champions

3.

North Carolina A&T- The defending MEAC Champions, the men had a great year in all 3 seasons, winning the MEAC in each. This year, they return their top 4 runners who all went under 27:10 last year, capped by Kimble Morris who went 25:37 at the Great American Classic in Cary, NC. They will need everyone to have big days at the MEAC Championships for them to repeat as champions and continue their streak of championships from indoor and outdoor track.

4.

Prairie View- Led by rising Senior Lavante Williams, the Panthers look to rise this year and complete for the SWAC Title. With a smaller team, they look to load up with 5-7 athletes and score the least amount of points possible. Last year they had 5 runners all running under 28 minutes. With one departing athlete, look for all of them to improve and compete for a SWAC top place.

5.

Grambling State- Although they are graduating their top runner, Hassan Chepkwony, the return 3 runners who ran in the 27 range or lower last year. The top returner, Noah Rugut, will be called upon to lead the upperclassmen laden team to a SWAC title. As the women's team who is also ranked #5, they look to move up in the rankings as the season progresses.