NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Atlantic 10 Conference announced its men's cross country preseason poll and tabbed the University of Dayton to finish fourth in the league this upcoming season.

The Flyers are coming off three-straight A-10 Championships, but will look to overcome the loss of their top four runners from last season, including three all-conference performers.

"Having lost several of our key contributors this past year, we'll be looking for greater contributions from our large group of underclassmen as we continue on in our attempt to defend our A-10 title," said head coach and reigning A-10 Coach of the Year Jason Ordway. "We have two juniors and two sophomores returning from last year's A-10 Conference Championship team, and we'll be looking towards their guidance on how to manage the championship atmosphere. We have a wealth of young talent, including a very promising freshmen class that is looking forward to making an impact early on in their careers. We are looking forward to competing again for the title this season."

Dayton received 138 points and four first-place votes, the second most in the league. La Salle was picked as the favorites and received eight first-place votes, followed by George Mason and Saint Joseph's. Saint Louis rounded out the top five.

The Flyers will open up the 2019 campaign on Aug. 31 at the Queen City Invitational 5K in Highland Heights, Ky. The 2019 Atlantic 10 Championships will take place in Fairfax, Va. on Nov. 2.

UD has a young team this season with 11 underclassmen and two seniors.

For more information regarding the 2019 Dayton men's cross country season, check back at DaytonFlyers.com.