(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - Christopher Newport University, under the direction of first-year Head Coach Patty Ley, was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to defend its USA South Athletic Conference men's cross country title in 2010. The Captains are the 17-time defending USA South champions and have won 24 of the 25 USA South Men's Cross Country Championships held since 1980.

CNU received six of seven first place votes (36 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

Shenandoah University finished second in the balloting with 31 points and the final first place vote while Methodist University rounded out the top-three with 22 points. In fourth place, Greensboro College earned 21 points while Ferrum College, Averett University and first-year program N.C. Wesleyan, concluded the poll with 16, 14 and seven points, respectfully.

The men's cross country season gets underway on Wednesday, September 1 as Christopher Newport participates in the Virginia Wesleyan Dual in Virginia Beach, Va.

2010 USA South Men's Cross Country Coaches Poll

Rank        Institution (1st Place Votes)   
1.              Christopher Newport (6)
2.              Shenandoah (1)
3.              Methodist
4.              Greensboro
5.              Ferrum
6.              Averett
7.              N.C. Wesleyan