New Orleans, LA - The University of La Verne men's cross country team will be beginning the 2022 season with a #7 preseason ranking in the West Region. Ranked #7 in the 2022 NCAA DIII Men's Cross Country Regional Rankings, the Leopards are looking to build as a team off of the ranking and exceed the preseason predictions with championship expectations as a program. Head coach Jamie Norton talked about his team and the goals they have collectively for individuals and for the team. 

 "I'm excited about where the men's team is at and our ranking reflects some of the progress we've made over the past year. I think we are looking at seventh as a starting point to build from rather than an end goal; while that would be one of the best finishes in team history we still have goals set higher than that, of being a top-5 team in the region and making ourselves competitive for a team at-large bid to the NCAA championship. The athletes put in an incredible amount of training over the summer and that has already shown in many of our workouts during pre-season and this first week of classes. They are ready to rock.

The Leopards have returners from last year in addition to newcomers. The components will help the team tremendously as they push each other towards success. Norton talked about the importance of returners and newcomers to the program. "We return our entire roster from last year, and have 6 freshmen added to the group. To be honest, we are deep and the middle of the group will likely be fluid. I couldn't tell you right now who I think our top seven will be. Michael Sahagun and TK Berhe are most likely going to lead the charge for us up front based on their performances last year and progress since then, both will be expecting to contend for top ten in the region. Behind them, I probably could give you a list of 10 guys who have trained hard and improved since last year and who will be "in the mix."

The Leopards open the 2022 campaign on September 1st at the Pomona Invitational.