Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Cross Country Voted No. 1
November 02, 2010 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
Nov. 2, 2010
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State men's cross country team was voted as the No. 1-ranked cross country team in the country for the first time in school history, the USTFCCCA announced today.
Oklahoma State claimed its third-consecutive Big 12 Championship in dominating fashion last weekend as the first four finishers at the meet were all Cowboys. That performance was enough to push OSU past previously top-ranked Stanford and take over as the top-rated men's cross country program in the nation.
“It's nice to be recognized for our work,” coach Dave Smith said. “In reality, it's not much different than last week though. One voter changed their mind and that was enough for us to move into the top spot. I think it's a sign that we've gained respect, but in reality there's no change. We're still one of four or five teams who could win it all. Stanford is an outstanding team, and honestly I don't know if I would vote for ourselves as the No. 1 team. It's an outstanding honor for the program, though.”
Oklahoma State is the defending national champion, but never reached higher than the No. 2 spot last year, where it has been for all of 2010 until today.
Now one of only six teams since 1998 to hold the No. 1 ranking, OSU looks to defend its NCAA Midwest Regional title November 13.
The Oklahoma State women's squad also reached a milestone in Tuesday's poll, receiving its highest ranking since 2006 as the voters ranked the Cowgirls at No. 23.
