NEW ORLEANS -- The men and women of Augustana have received national recognition from the USTCCCA in the preseason edition of the NCAA DII Men's and Women's Cross Country National Coaches' Polls announced Wednesday. The women's team have been selected 3rd in the nation, while the men's team is currently ranked ninth in the nation. 

The Vikings will start their season with the return of the Augustana Twilight racing under the lights at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, Friday night. This year's event will include 31 collegiate teams with the women's 5k is slated for an 8:30 p.m. start while the men's four mile race is at 9 p.m.

Earlier this season, both Viking teams were tabbed to finish first in the NSIC's preseason coaches' poll. Among the team recognition, Augustana also swept the Preseason Athletes of the Year in Nicollete Schmidt and Alec Kray. 

--GoAugie.com--