August 27, 2008 
Contact: Mike Christie, Assistant Commissioner

Christopher Newport Picked to Capture USA South Men's Cross Country Title

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - Christopher Newport University, under the direction of 13th-year Head Coach Keith Maurer, was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to defend its USA South Athletic Conference men's cross country title in 2008. The Captains are the 15-time defending USA South champions and have won 22 of the 23 USA South Men's Cross Country Championships held since 1980.

Christopher Newport received five of six first place votes (25 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

Shenandoah University finished second in the balloting with 21 points and the final first place vote while Greensboro College rounded out the top-three as The Pride received 17 points. In fourth place, Methodist University earned 12 points while Ferrum College and Averett University concluded the poll.

The men's cross country season gets underway on Saturday, August 30 as Averett, Christopher Newport and Shenandoah all participate in various meets.
 

2008 USA South Coaches Poll
Rank	Institution (1st place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Christopher Newport (5)	25
2.	Shenandoah (1)	21
3.	Greensboro	17
4.	Methodist	12
5.	Ferrum	10
6.	Averett	5