University Park, Pa. — On the heels of a pair of impressive efforts at the Notre Dame Invitational last weekend, both Nittany Lion cross country squads have entered the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA) Rankings this week, with the men’s team appearing for the first time this season at No. 23, and the women reentering the poll at No. 30, and briefly falling out of the top 30 a week ago. The men’s standing is the best ranking of a Nittany Lion men’s squad since the 2000 season, when Penn State appeared in 17th on October 31.
The Nittany Lion men engineered an outstanding finish at Notre Dame, placing fifth in a national-class field, thanks to top 15 efforts from juniors Vince McNally (Paoli, Pa.) and Kyle Dawson (Coatesville, Pa.). The performance also produced victories over national stalwarts such as Alabama, UCLA, Villanova, Arizona State and Butler. Stanford remains at the top of the men’s ratings this week, while Oklahoma State and Oregon follow in second and third, respectively. The Nittany Lions are fourth among Big Ten foes in this week’s poll, with Indiana leading the way at No. 7, Wisconsin at 11th, and Michigan State in 20th. Minnesota trails in the Lions in 25th.
The Penn State women are back in this week’s poll after appearing in the "Receiving Votes" category a week ago. The women also impressed in South Bend, placing 10th overall, and topping a handful of ranked programs in BYU, Southern Methodist, BYU and Notre Dame. The Lions also bettered Big Ten foes Iowa and Ohio State in the effort. Notre Dame team champion and Mid-Atlantic Regional rival Villanova leads the women’s rankings with Oregon and Florida State in second and third. Penn State is fourth among Big Ten teams mentioned in this week’s standings, with Michigan State and Michigan in 18th, and 19th, respectively, and Indiana in 24th.
The Lions will train through the weekend before hosting the Penn State National on October 16. Penn State will then head into championship season, with the Big Ten Championships scheduled for October 31 at the University of Wisconsin.