Aquinas College was recognized as the second team in the country, behind two-time defending National Champion Malone College (Ohio).  Senior Rob Veldman and junior Nate Poirier return from a team that placed third at nationals last year. Experienced runners will look to help last year's freshman continue to develop for a storng nucleus. The Saints' take their first course Sept. 19 at Calvin College (Mich.).

The No. 16 team in the rating is Cornerstone University. Carrying a couple of All-American seniors - Zach Ripley and Stephan Larson - the Golden Eagles also return 2008 national qualifier Alex Green. CU's first meet is Sept. 5 at the Hope Invitational.

The Indiana Institute of Technology men's cross country team starts the season at #24 in the country. Derek Holst, national qualifier in the 5000-meter run during the spring, returns for his junior year to lead the Warriors. Tech begins the 2009 campaign on Sept. 5 at the Bill Sudeck Classic hosted by Case Western Reserve University (Ohio).

Siena Heights University's men's team garnered votes to place the Saints in the "Others Receiving Votes" section of the poll. Two-time All-American Luke Pawlaczyk joins two National Qualifiers, Mike Glinski and Jesiah Rodriguez, to lead SHU. The Saints' first competition is Sept. 12.

Click here for complete rating.