Kearney, Neb. - The Nebraska-Kearney cross country teams have been picked to finish sixth (men) and seventh (women) in the 2010 RMAC Preseason Coaches poll.

The preseason poll, and team, was released on August 26th. Head coaches vote on the makeup of each and cannot vote for their own team or runners.

On the men's side, UNK -- which is ranked sixth in the preseason Central Region rankings -- received 56 points to come in ahead of five squads. Defending national champ Adams State is first (10 points; also 10 first place votes) with defending national runner up Western State second (23; one first place vote) and Colorado School of Mines (24) third.

The Orediggers placed third at last fall's NCAA meet, showing the super strength of the RMAC.

Western State senior Tyler Pennel is the Preseason Runner of the Year and was one of seven runners on the men's preseason team.

The Loper women tallied 83 points in the 13-team RMAC race. Adams (12 points; 12 first place votes) is first with Western second (24; one first place vote) and Mesa State third (34).

Sophomore Alicia Nelson of ASC is the Preseason Runner of the Year.

The complete poll and team can be viewed at www.rmacsports.rog.