BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Mississippi College men's cross country was picked third in the 2022 Gulf South Conference Men's Cross Country Coaches' poll, the conference announced on Thursday, Aug. 18. The Choctaws tallied up a total of 100 points, whilst also receiving two first-place votes. 

Last year, the team placed third at the 2021 Gulf South Conference Championships before placing third at the 2021 NCAA Division II South Region Championships, qualifying for the 2021 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships. 

The Choctaws are returning three members of the 2021 All-GSC Cross Country Team: Gabe Poulin who placed fourth overall, Cole Benoit who finished in 12th, and Christian Balcer who placed 18th. 

Rising senior Hunter Kurz was just outside of an All-GSC finish placing 23rd overall, before going on to the 2021 NCAA Division II South Region Championships to place ninth overall. 

Votes for the preseason honors were cast solely by the conference's 12 head coaches. Coaches could not vote for their own teams.

This year, the Choctaws will go for another successful year after qualifying for an NCAA Division II National Championship for the first time in program history, and potentially improve on their finish of 23rd in the nation in 2021. 

They will open up their season on their home course on Sept. 2 at the The Opener, with action starting at 5:30 P.M.