NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Atlantic 10 Conference released its 2017 men's cross country preseason poll and tabbed the University of Dayton as the favorites to win the championship.

The Flyers will look to defend their first ever conference title from last season at the 2017 A-10 Championships on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Leesburg, Va.

In the predictions, Dayton received seven first-place votes and 178 points, ahead of Duquesne, who received three first-place votes, George Mason, and Saint Louis.

"We are excited to have been voted first and second in the men's and women's preseason polls," said head coach Jason Ordway. "Both teams are looking forward to an opportunity to match or improve upon last season. We've had a great summer buildup in our training and now we'll focus on sharpening up throughout the season and, most importantly, staying healthy. We're fortunate to have competitive upperclassmen leading the way and helping teach our younger student-athletes the skills necessary to be competitive into the future.
 
"The men are looking to continue with their recent success, eyeing another team title", he continued. "Led by senior Tyler Adgalanis, juniors Chris Negri and Spencer Danielson, and sophomore J.P. Flavin, we are looking to have a strong top group with a solid chase pack to round out our top seven."
 
Last season, the Flyers were picked to finish ninth, but stunned the A-10 by winning the conference championship and having four runners named All-Conference.

Dayton opens the season Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Queen City Invitational in West Chester, Ohio at VOA Metropark.

For the full release, click on the link above.