Pac-12 well-represented in cross country rankings

SAN FRANCISCO - Not much has changed from last week in the latest U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) poll. The Pac-12 boasts seven men’s and five women’s in the most recent ranking for the third-consecutive poll, including the top two teams on the men’s side and two top-five squads on the women’s side.

The COLORADO men continue its streak of No. 1 rankings, dating back to the final poll of the 2013 campaign. The Buffs garnered all 12 first-place votes and 360 points again, another impressive streak that dates back to the start of the 2014 campaign. STANFORD collected 345 points to place second in the polling, with OREGON ranking sixth (294 points), up one spot from last week. UCLA, at No. 12, and ARIZONA STATE, at No. 21, each moved up one spot, as well. WASHINGTON came in at No. 28 and CALIFORNIA is No. 29.

The Buffalo women also remained put, ranking third with 329 points. The Cardinal women moved into the top five this week, earning a No. 5 ranking with 302 points, just two points ahead of defending champion Michigan State, who is sixth.The Ducks are ranked No. 7 but are just seven points out of the top five with 295. Washington also did not move and is still No. 14, while California also stays at No. 30. ARIZONA STATE is receiving votes.

Only ARIZONA, Cal and Stanford will be in action this week. The Wildcats and Golden Bears will participate in the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis, while the Cardinal host the Stanford Invitational. Cal will also send a contingency to Stanford.

The next release of the USTFCCCA Cross Country Coaches Poll is Tuesday, Sept. 29. For more information, visit www.ustfccca.org.