NEW ORLEANS – For the second straight year, the Christopher Newport University men's and women's cross country squads both earned a place in the preseason Top-10 Regional Rankings as selected by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

After finishing the 2011 campaign ranked 14th, the CNU men's squad was selected eighth in the South/Southeast preseason poll. On the women's side, the Captains earned the fifth spot after wrapping up the 2011 season ranked in the same place.

Last season, CNU earned a spot in both preseason polls as well, securing the No. 4 place for the women and the No. 5 for the men.

In 2011, both squads pieced together outstanding campaigns while capturing the USA South Championship. On the men's side, five runners placed in the top-10 of the conference meet and eight garnered All-USA South honors. Of the award-winners, four return for the 2012 season, including reigning league champion Ray Gamache. As a junior last year, he captured the conference championship after cruising through the course in 26:09.55.

Fellow All-Conference honorees Patrick Cunningham, Aaron Zook, and Bradley Turner are also looking forward to building upon their outstanding careers this year.

The women were just as dominant last season, placing five runners in the top-10 of the league meet. Overall, nine members of the squad earned All-Conference nods and eight of those will be back for the 2012 campaign. Of the returners, third-year standout Erin Rolaf headlines the group after placing in the top-20 during the NCAA Regionals last season.

In addition to the junior speedster, Karen Bumiller, Jessica McClelland, Julie Machamer, Sarah Russell, Brittney House, Meaghan Grant, and Emily Whitby all return after outstanding seasons that were capped off nicely with elite efforts in the conference meet.

Led by second-year head coach Matthew Barreau, both cross country squads will kick off the 2012 season on Friday, August 31 with the CNU/VWC opener at Bells Mill Park in Chesapeake, Virginia.