The Dordt University men's cross country team moved into the top 25 in the latest edition of the NAIA Coaches' poll released 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 first of the regular season and second overall this season
• Dordt, who received votes in the last three polls dating back to the end of the 2025 season, moved up to 22nd in the Sept.24 poll
• the Defenders accounted for 197 points, 11 in back of #22 IU East
• with its point total, Dordt is 42 ahead of #23 Cornerstone (Mich.)
• Dordt is one of two teams from the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) in the top 25; one of four from the conference recognized in the top 25 or earning votes
  • Dordt - #22
  • Doane - #24
  • Northwestern, Concordia - RV
• Cumberlands (Ky.) continues to hold down the No.1 spot and totaled 17 first place votes and 528 points
• Southern Oregon and Indiana Wesleyan are tied for second, followed by The Master's (Calif.) and College of Idaho
• Dordt has been ranked in the top 25 or receiving votes in 53 straight NAIA polls
• the Defenders won their only meet of the season to date, taking first place at the Sunflower Open on Sept.12
  • Dordt recorded a perfect score (15pts) and had eight runners place in the top 10
  • Hudson Hamilton was the Defenders top finisher (2nd) and led all collegiate runners
• Dordt will compete at the Augustana Invite on Friday morning, Sept.25