MELBOURNE, Fla. – For the first time in Sunshine State Conference history the league's head coaches have released a preseason poll. The Saint Leo men's program was voted to finish third out of the nine-team conference. The Lions were one of four teams to pick up at least one first place vote among the nine head coaches.
Defending champion Florida Southern was selected to repeat in 2018 and earned three of the nine first place tallies and a total of 59 points. Embry-Riddle finished one point back despite earning four first place votes. The Lions took third with 51 points including one first place vote while Tampa rounded out the top-four with 43 points and a single first place tally.
Last season the Lions finished second at the SSC Championship meet before heading to the NCAA South Regional and placing third to advance to the NCAA Championships. The Lions top returner from last season is sophomore
Tadgh McGinty who looks to improve on his 16
th-place finish at last season's championship.
The Lions open the 2018 season Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Holloway Park Preseason Festival hosted by Florida Southern.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's cross country team be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
2018 SSC MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY PRESEASON COACHES POLL
| Rank |
School (FPV*) |
Total Votes |
| 1 |
Florida Southern (3) |
59 |
| 2 |
Embry-Riddle (4) |
58 |
| 3 |
Saint Leo (1) |
51 |
| 4 |
Tampa (1) |
43 |
| 5 |
Florida Tech |
34 |
| 6 |
Nova Southeastern |
31 |
| 7 |
Lynn |
23 |
| 8 |
Palm Beach Atlantic |
16 |
| 9 |
Rollins |
16 |
