The Dordt University men's cross country team moved up two spots in the latest NAIA Coaches' poll released by the national office earlier today.

This is the final poll of the regular season and the second-to-last of the entire 2026 campaign, with the final one slated to be released on Nov.10 after the conference championships and ahead of the NAIA National Championship.

• NAIA Press Release | PDF

Notes:

• the rating is compiled by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and unaffiliated groupings
• the Top 25 is determined by a points system based on how each rater rates the best teams; a team receives 30 points for each first-place vote, 29 for second-place, 28 for third-place and so on through the list.
• today's national rating is the final of the regular season and fifth overall this season (preseason)
• Dordt moved up two spots to 17th in the Oct.29 rating after its performance at the Blazing Tiger Classic last weekend
  • the Defenders finished third overall the Blazing Tiger Classic, a large meet that featured several ranked teams
• the Defenders totaled a season-high 266 points, 13 in back of Eastern Oregon and 19 more than No.18 IU East
  • Dordt moved past both Rio Grande (Ohio) and Saint Mary (Kan.) in the poll
• Dordt has been ranked or received votes in all five polls this season
  • the Defenders received votes in the preseason ranking
• Dordt is the lone team from the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) in the top 25; one of two from the conference recognized in the top 25 or earning votes
  • Dordt - #17
  • Doane - RV
• Cumberlands (Ky.) continues to hold down the No.1 spot and received 20 first place votes
• Madonna (Mich.) moved up to second, three spots ahead of their No.5 ranking in the previous poll
  • the Crusaders accounted for 541 points
• Southern Oregon (3rd), The Master's (Calif.) (4th), and Marian (Ind.) (5th) round out the top five spots
• Dordt has been ranked in the top 25 or receiving votes in 56 straight NAIA polls
• the Defenders have competed in four meets this season
  • they won both of their home meets, placed fifth at the Augustana Invite and third at the Blazing Tiger Classic last time out
  • they have been the top NAIA team in three of the four meets
  • Dordt recorded a perfect score (15pts) at the Sunflower Open
  • Hudson Hamilton and Trace Obbink have each been the Defenders No.1 runner in two meets
  • Hamilton and Obbink both earned GPAC Runner of the Week honors this season
• Dordt will compete in the GPAC Championship next weekend, Nov.7, on their home course