NIACC's Blake Keller runs at the regional meet on Oct. 29 in Fort Dodge.

November 1, 2017

NIACC men ranked 14th in cross country poll

MASON CITY - The NIACC men's cross country team is ranked No. 14 in the fourth USTFCCA NJCAA Division I rankings released Wednesday.

The Trojans are one of two ICCAC teams ranked in the top 25. Iowa Central is No. 1 while Hawkeye CC and Southwestern received votes in this week's poll.

NIACC, which has been ranked in the top 15 for 11 straight polls dating back to 2015, was ranked No. 12 in the Oct. 18 rankings.

NIACC placed second at the NJCAA Region XI meet in Fort Dodge on Oct. 29. Iowa Central was the regional champion, Hawkeye CC was third and Southwestern was fourth.

NIACC had four runners earn all-region status. Brian Jacques was a first-team selection, Blake Keller was a second-team selection and David Carter and John Kraft were honorable mention selections.

NIACC returns to action Nov. 11 at the NJCAA Divison I national meet in Fort Dodge. The Trojans have placed in the top 10 at four of the last six national meets, including a fourth-place finish in 2011 and a fifth-place finish in 2012.

USTFCCCA NJCAA Division I rankings

Iowa Central, Central Arizona, South Plains, Paradise Valley, Vincennes, Louisburg, Lansing CC, Allen CC, Southern Idaho, Mesa CC, El Paso CC, Macomb CC, Colby CC, NIACC, Ranger, Gillette, Cloud County CC, Grand Rapids CC, Cowley County CC, Western Texas, Butler CC, Trinidad State JC, Monroe (N.Y.), Moraine Valley (Ill.), Waubonsee CC.

NIACC MEN'S RECENT HISTORY IN THE POLLS

2017

Sept. 20 - 6th

Oct. 4 - 12th

Oct. 18 - 12th

Nov. 1 - 14th

2016

Sept. 14 - 8th

Sept. 21 - 10th

Oct. 5 - 9th

Oct. 19 - 9th

Nov. 2 - 9th