NEW ORLEANS, LA. -- With a strong performance at the season-opening Augustana Twilight, the Viking men's cross country team jumped two spots and now sits 7th in U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) national poll. The Viking women remained at 10th overall with 125 points. 

In the central region poll announced Tuesday, both men's and women's cross country teams sit second. On the men's side, Augustana jumped ahead of Sioux Falls for the second spot, where as the Viking women remained in second. 

At the Augustana Twilight, the Viking men finished as the top DII team and second overall in the four mile race. Augustana was led by senior Aaron Runge, who finished in seventh place at 19:19:34. Matt Steiger, a Viking sophomore, crossed the line in 19:52.40 checking in at 22nd overall, and Austin Miller finished just two seconds and two spots behind him (19:54.28).

On the women's side, Augustana finished the Twilight with eight runners in the top 30 and third among 25 programs competing. The top DII team in the standings, Augustana was led by a 17th place finish from Nicolette Schmidt (18:13.95). Viking freshman Megan Means was just a step off her pace, finishing in 18th place at 18:14.26. 

For a complete look at both the national and regional USTFCCCA polls, click here. 

Next up, the Vikings head to Minneapolis for the Roy Griak Invitational, Sept. 28.

About the USTFCCA
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) is a non-profit professional organization representing cross country and track & field coaches of all levels. The organization represents thousands of coaching members encompassing NCAA track & field programs (DI, DII, and DIII) and includes members representing the NAIA and NJCAA, as well as a number of state high school coaches associations. -- GoAugie.com --