Aug. 31, 2000

The University of Missouri men's cross country team received 46 votes and is ranked 25th in this week's National Coaches Poll. The Tigers are also ranked third-best in the Midwest Region.

Mizzou is coming off a 1999 season that saw them qualify for the NCAA Championships and finish third at the Big 12 Championships. Missouri placed 28th at the NCAA Championships.

This season's squad will be led by senior Nick Smith (Rocheport, Mo./Hickman HS), who placed sixth at the NCAA Midwest Region. Smith posted his 1999 season high and a second-place finish at the Missouri Invitational with a time of 25:18.11. He placed 15th at the Notre Dame Invitational (24:35) and 28th in the Big 12 (25:56).

Also leading the way for the MU men is senior Adam MacDowell (Manchester, Mo./Parkway South HS), who finished eighth in the Regional last year. In 1999, MacDowell recorded a first-place finish and a season best time of 25:00.14 at the Missouri Invitational. He finished 11th at the Big 12 Championships (25:08).

"It is nice that other coaches around the nation think we have a good team and have ranked us 25th," said Head Coach Jared Wilmes ."At this point the rankings don't mean a lot. We have to perform on race day," he added.

The Tigers open the 2000 season at home Sept. 9, in the Missouri Challenge at 5:00 p.m.