Sept. 15, 2009

Tulsa, Okla. - The University of Tulsa men's cross country team earned a No. 8 national ranking from Track & Field News magazine and a No. 11 ranking from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, as announced Tuesday.

The No. 8 preseason ranking from the October edition of Track & Field News magazine is the highest national ranking from any organization in school history, and the No. 11 preseason ranking is the highest spot ever earned from the USTFCCCA.

Senior John Beattie was also named as the No. 10 individual to watch by Track & Field News. Beattie was an All-American, Conference USA individual champion and All-Midwest Region selection last year.

Last year, the men's team won the C-USA Championship, finished 13th at the NCAA Championships and placed third at the NCAA Midwest Regional.

The men's and women's teams are back in action on this Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Missouri State Classic in Springfield, Mo.