Cambridge, Mass. ? The University at Albany women's cross country team has been picked to finish sixth, while the men's squad was projected to place seventh, according to the preseason poll conducted by the America East Conference head coaches and released on Tuesday, Aug. 26 by the league office.

            On the women's side, Stony Brook was picked to defend its title. The Seawolves received seven first-place votes and 63 points. Boston University and New Hampshire tied for second with 52 points apiece, with the Terriers also claiming two first-place votes. Rounding out the poll was Binghamton in fourth followed by Maine, UAlbany, UMBC, Vermont and Hartford.

            The UAlbany women return six harriers from last season's sixth-place team, including Laura Cummings, who placed 14th at last year's conference championship and earned All-East honors at the ECAC Championship. The Great Danes also bring in 10 newcomers who should help the program continue to grow.

            New Hampshire edged out Stony Brook by two points to claim the top spot in the men's poll. The Wildcats, who are the defending conference champions, earned five first-place votes and 61 points. The Seawolves garnered three first-place votes and 59 points. UMBC, which claimed the final first-place vote, and Maine tied for third with 41 points apiece. Rounding out the poll was Binghamton in fifth followed by Boston University, UAlbany, Vermont and Hartford.

            The UAlbany men's team brings back senior Brian Yurkewecz, junior Jon Hilbert and sophomore David Rothman from last season's seventh-place squad at the conference championship. However, head coach Craig McVey and his staff have brought in 13 newcomers who should be ready to contribute immediately.

            The men's and women's cross country teams begin their 2008 season at the Monmouth Kick-Off Classic on Saturday, Sept. 6.

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America East Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll

1. Stony Brook (7)                      63

T-2. Boston University (2)            52

T-2. New Hampshire                   52

4. Binghamton                           40

5. Maine                                    39

6. UAlbany                               25

7. UMBC                                   24

8. Vermont                                20

9. Hartford                                 9

America East Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll

1. New Hampshire (5)                 61

2. Stony Brook (3)                      59

T-3. UMBC (1)                           41

T-3. Maine                                 41

5. Binghamton                           39

6. Boston University                   38

7. UAlbany                               20

8. Vermont                                17

9. Hartford                                 8