Montgomery, WV –

Twelve-time and defending Mid-South Conference champion, the University of the Cumberland’s received 36 points, including six of the seven first-place votes as they were tabbed as the team to beat this season.

Lindsey Wilson College was picked second in the preseason voting with 30 points while Georgetown College received enough votes to hold down the third spot after receiving 23 points from the conference coaches.

MSC new-comer, University of Rio Grande was selected to finish fourth in the poll with 22 points, including the final first-place vote.

Campbellsville University (18 points), Pikeville College (11) and West Virginia University Tech (7) rounded out the 2009 pre-season poll.

The MSC cross country season will kick off the first weekend in September. The Mid-South Conference Championships are scheduled for November 7 in Louisville.