RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The Great American Conference announced the women's cross country coaches' poll Thursday afternoon, with OBU being picked to finish first in the league after receiving 118 votes, including eight first place. The poll was voted on by the league's coaches.
Oklahoma Baptist claimed their fifth consecutive GAC championship last October, becoming the third program to accomplish the feat in Great American Conference history.
OBU placed five runners in the top 17 of the standings in the championship, including returners Kayla McGruder and 2021 GAC freshman of the year Sophia Strange. The Bison return five runners from last season's championship team, with sights set on a sixth straight title.
First-year head coach, Brian Whitlock, is no stranger to championships, coming to Bison hill after a historic 18-year career at Wayland Baptist that featured 12 national titles.
The Bison will begin their 2022 campaign on September 17 at the Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin, MO.
2022 GAC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Oklahoma Baptist (8)
T2. Arkansas Tech (3)
T2. Harding (1)
3. East Central
4. Ouachita
5. Southern Arkansas
6. Southwestern Oklahoma State
7. Southeastern Oklahoma State
8. Southern Nazarene
9. Henderson State
10. Northwestern Oklahoma State
11. Arkansas-Monticello
For more information on the OBU track and field and cross country teams, follow them on Twitter (@OBU_TrackXC) and Instagram (@OBU_TrackXC).
