PRINCETON, W.Va.)---Defending West Virginia Conference champion West Virginia Wesleyan is a slight favorite to repeat as the league's top men's cross country squad in a vote of conference coaches. The Bobcats edged Concord in the preseason balloting by a mere two votes.
Wheeling Jesuit, Davis & Elkins, and Alderson-Broaddus round out the top five in the poll. Charleston, WVIAC newcomer Seton Hill, and West Liberty State are fifth through eighth. Fairmont State, Glenville State, Ohio Valley, and Bluefield State complete the poll.
2006 individual champion Eric Cooper leads Jesse Skiles' WVWC squad. The Bobcats also return senior Woody Snoberger, a fourth place finisher in last season's WVIAC championship meet.
All-conference seniors Michael Smutko and Adam Coon lead Concord. Wheeling Jesuit has a strong crop of young runners, paced by 2006 WVIAC Rookie of the Year Scott Bonnette.
Other All-WVIAC returnees include Charleston's Corey Mehl and Seton Hill's Julian Fiorina.
2007 WVIAC Men's Cross Country Coaches' Poll
1. West Virginia Wesleyan (6) | 102 |
2. Concord (3) | 100 |
3. Wheeling Jesuit | 82 |
4. Davis & Elkins | 81 |
5. Alderson-Broaddus | 73 |
6. Charleston | 64 |
7. Seton Hill | 63 |
8. West Liberty State | 37 |
9. Fairmont State | 36 |
10. Glenville State | 29 |
11. Ohio Valley | 24 |
12. Bluefield State | 11 |