Troy University Athletics
Women Tabbed Fourth, Men Picked Ninth in Sun Belt Cross Country Preseason Poll
9/1/2021 12:00:00 PM | Cross Country
After a historic 2020 season, the Troy women's cross country team was tabbed fourth while the men were picked ninth in the Sun Belt Preseason Coaches Poll, the league announced Wednesday.
Â
The squad will be directed by first-year head coach Brian Cunningham. Cunningham joined the Troy staff following two seasons in a similar role at Bridgewater College. Following his first year at Bridgewater, he was named the USTFCCCA South/Southeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year.
Â
"I'm excited to kick off our season this week and see some of the initial results of our summer training," Cunningham said. "This weekend will be a good first competition on the road to the Sun Belt Conference Championship meet at the end of October."
Â
On the women's side, the Trojans return two of their top three runners from a year ago in Gracie Booher and Cadi Rowe.
Â
After notching a top-ten finish at the conference meet, Booher was dubbed the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year becoming the first Trojan in Troy's DI history to earn a postseason award.
Â
Rowe found herself on the Third Team All-Sun Belt after finishing just outside of the top ten at the Sun Belt Championships last season. The sophomore finished 11th in 18:07.70 for a 5k personal record.
Â
On the men's side, Troy returns its top-runner in Mason Bennett. Bennett led the Trojans in three of the four meets last season, including at the Sun Belt Championships where he posted an 8k personal record.
Â
Troy is set to kick off the 2021 campaign on Friday, Sept. 3rd in the Foothills Invitational hosted by Jacksonville State.
Â
Â
The squad will be directed by first-year head coach Brian Cunningham. Cunningham joined the Troy staff following two seasons in a similar role at Bridgewater College. Following his first year at Bridgewater, he was named the USTFCCCA South/Southeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year.
Â
"I'm excited to kick off our season this week and see some of the initial results of our summer training," Cunningham said. "This weekend will be a good first competition on the road to the Sun Belt Conference Championship meet at the end of October."
Â
On the women's side, the Trojans return two of their top three runners from a year ago in Gracie Booher and Cadi Rowe.
Â
After notching a top-ten finish at the conference meet, Booher was dubbed the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year becoming the first Trojan in Troy's DI history to earn a postseason award.
Â
Rowe found herself on the Third Team All-Sun Belt after finishing just outside of the top ten at the Sun Belt Championships last season. The sophomore finished 11th in 18:07.70 for a 5k personal record.
Â
On the men's side, Troy returns its top-runner in Mason Bennett. Bennett led the Trojans in three of the four meets last season, including at the Sun Belt Championships where he posted an 8k personal record.
Â
Troy is set to kick off the 2021 campaign on Friday, Sept. 3rd in the Foothills Invitational hosted by Jacksonville State.
Â
Players Mentioned
Troy Football Press Conference (Players) - Memphis Game
Monday, September 08
Gerad Parker Press Conference - Memphis Game
Monday, September 08
Player Postgame Press Conference (Luke Hodge, Tray Taylor) - No. 8 Clemson
Sunday, September 07
Gerad Parker Postgame Press Conference - No. 8 Clemson
Sunday, September 07