NEW ORLEANS -- The Washington & Jefferson College men's cross country team will enter the 2022 campaign with some strong expectations following the release of the preseason NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country Regional Rankings for the 2022 season, which was released on Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

W&J was ranked sixth in the Mid-Atlantic Region rankings, which was the best ranking by any Presidents' Athletic Conference school. Saint Vincent College ranked ninth among the Top 10 schools in the region. 
 

The Presidents finished the 2021 season 15th at regionals. 

Regional Rankings are determined subjectively by a single member coach in each respective region. The regional representative is tasked with weighing returning teams' strength with current season results (if applicable) in determining a rank-order of squad potential. Only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible to receive a ranking. Teams with provisional status within the region may be ranked.

The Red and Black suffered no significant losses to graduation and boast an experienced squad as the 2022 season is set to commence. Aden Dressler (Evans City, Pa./Butler), Paul Collier (Heath, Ohio/Heath), Julian Paul (Pittsburgh, Pa./Montour), Brock Pennington (North East, Pa./North East) and Jake Sinclair (Beallsville,Pa./Beth-Center) leads a strong group of returners for the Presidents. 

W&J opens the 2022 season at its home invitational on Friday, Sept. 2. The meet will take place at the South Strabane Community Park.