Alabama Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Both No. 1 in SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

It marks the fifth time since 2005 that the Crimson Tide men have been preseason No. 1 and the first time for the women over that same span.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama men’s and women’s cross country teams were both voted preseason No. 1 by the Southeastern Conference coaches, it was announced by the league office on Monday.

It marks the fifth time since 2005 that the men have been tabbed No. 1 heading into the season (2008, 2009, 2010, 2018 and 2022) and the first time the women have entered the season at No. 1 over that same span.

The Alabama men garnered six of 12 available first-place votes, while the Tide received eight of the 14 first-place votes available on the women’s side of the slate.

Head Coach Dan Waters Said:

“To have the league’s coaches vote both our men and women No. 1 says a lot about the teams and the talent we have heading into the season. It means that we have a lot of potential. From here, it’s up to us to put in the work, to stay healthy and to then execute once we get to the postseason. It’s an honor to be voted No. 1 at this point in the season, but from here, it’s up to us to follow through and make something happen.”

The 2022 Alabama Cross Country Teams

• Alabama opens its cross country season Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Lion Opener in Florence, Ala.
• The women’s team features 21 runners, including 10 newcomers, while the men’s roster also tallies 21, with eight rookies
• The women are led by Mercy Chelangat, who won the NCAA cross country title in 2020-21 and was the NCAA runner-up last season
• Chelangat is also the two-time defending SEC cross country champion and won the NCAA 10,000-meter title during 2022 outdoor season
• In addition to Chelangat, the women also return cross country All-Americans Amaris Tyynismaa and Flomena Asekol
• The Tide men are led by defending SEC champion Eliud Kipsang
• The men’s roster also includes NCAA All-South Region honorees Victor Kiprop and Hillary Cheruiyot
• Chelangat and Kipsang were named the women’s and men’s SEC Cross Country Runner of the Year last season, while Kiprop was named the SEC Cross Country Freshman of the Year