XC Men Picked First, Women Third In ACC Preseason Poll

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The University of North Carolina men’s cross country team was picked to finish first, while the women were selected third in the 2023 ACC Preseason Cross Country Coaches Poll, the conference announced on Thursday.

The UNC men were voted first in the poll with 213 points and six first-place votes. Notre Dame garnered 197 points and three first-place votes to finish second. Virginia also received three first-place votes and accumulated 189 points for third place. Syracuse was chosen fourth with 176 points and one first-place vote, followed by Wake Forest to round out the top five with 165 points and two first-place votes.

On the women’s side, the Tar Heels finished third with 193 points behind unanimous preseason favorite NC State with 225 points and Notre Dame with 203 points. Virginia (188) and Florida State (146) rounded out the top five.

The Carolina men took third place and the UNC women finished fourth at the 2022 ACC Championship meet. Parker Wolfe, Patrick Anderson, Kelsey Harrington, Fatima Alanis and Sasha Neglia each earned All-ACC honors. 

 

The Tar Heels open their 2023 season at the Charlotte Opener at Frank Liske Park in Concord, N.C., on Friday, September 1. The men’s event starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by the women’s meeting at 10:00 a.m.

2023 ACC Preseason Cross Country Polls

Men

1. North Carolina (6) – 213
2. Notre Dame (3) – 197
3. Virginia (3) – 189
4. Syracuse (1) – 176
5. Wake Forest (2) – 165
6. NC State – 155
7. Florida State – 139
8. Duke – 130
9. Virginia Tech – 102
10. Pitt – 90
11. Georgia Tech – 70
12. Louisville – 61
13. Boston College – 51
14. Clemson – 44
15. Miami – 18

 
Women

1. NC State (15) – 225
2. Notre Dame – 203
3. North Carolina – 193
4. Virginia – 188
5. Florida State – 146
6. Syracuse – 143
7. Duke – 138
8. Wake Forest – 117
9. Virginia Tech – 98
10. Boston College – 87
11. Georgia Tech – 77
12. Louisville – 70
13. Pitt – 52
14. Miami – 35
15. Clemson – 28