The Dordt University men's cross country team moved up four spots in the latest edition (Oct.8) of the NAIA Coaches' poll released earlier today by the national office. 

• 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 second of the regular season and third overall this season
• Dordt, who was ranked 22nd in the last poll, moved up to 18th in the Oct.8 poll
• the Defenders received votes in the preseason ranking
• the Defenders accounted for 259 points, six behind of #17 Rio Grande (Ohio)
• Dordt is 28 points ahead of #19 Park (Mo.) and 32 points in front of Rocky Mountain (Mont.)
• 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 - #18
  • Doane - RV
• Cumberlands (Ky.) continues to hold down the No.1 spot and totaled 19 first place votes and 528 points
• Southern Oregon and Indiana Wesleyan are tied for second, followed by College of Idaho and The Master's (Calif.)
• Dordt has been ranked in the top 25 or receiving votes in 54 straight NAIA polls
• the Defenders have competed in two meets this season
  • they won the Sunflower Open and placed fifth out of 19 teams at the Augustana Invitational
  • Dordt recorded a perfect score (15pts) at the Sunflower Open
  • Hudson Hamilton has been the top Dordt runner in both meets, placing second and 13th, respectively
  • Jackson Prins and Trace Obbink have been among the Defenders top three in both meets this season
• Dordt will compete at the Holiday Inn Express Classic this weekend, the second of three home meets this season