KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced the results of its preseason coaches poll for the 2023 men’s cross country season.
 
For the sixth consecutive preseason, MIAA coaches have voted Missouri Southern to finish at the top of the league. The defending MIAA champions totaled 96 points and the majority first place selections with seven to top the 2023 preseason poll. The Lions have won three of the last four MIAA titles.
 
Nebraska Kearney was the runner-up in the MIAA coaches poll with three first place votes and 88 total points. The Lopers were also the runners-up at the 2022 MIAA Championships.
 
Pittsburg State collected 83 points to secure the No. 3 spot in the poll while Washburn was picked No. 4 with 71 points. Northwest Missouri capped the coaches’ top-five with 62 points and one first place nod.
 
Just one point behind the Bearcats was Central Missouri coming in at No. 6 with 61 points. Missouri Western was slatted No. 7 with 48 points, Emporia State finished No. 8 with 32 points, Fort Hays State was picked No. 9 with 29 points and Rogers State took the No. 10 spot with 25 points. Newman concluded the 2023 coaches preseason poll at No. 11.
 
The 2023 MIAA cross country season is set to begin Friday, Sept. 1. All roads lead to the 2023 MIAA Cross Country Championships, which are set for Friday, Oct. 20 in Columbia, Mo. 
 
To see the full schedule 2023 of MIAA men’s cross country contests, click here.

2023 MIAA Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Missouri Southern (7) - 96 points
2. Nebraska Kearney (3) - 88 points
3. Pittsburg State - 83 points
4. Washburn - 71 points
5. Northwest Missouri (1) - 62 points
6. Central Missouri - 61 points
7. Missouri Western - 48 points
8. Emporia State - 32 points
9. Fort Hays State - 29 points
10. Rogers State - 25 points
11. Newman - 10 points