MOSCOW, Idaho – The Vandal cross country teams are set to open the 2022 season at the Washington State Invitational on Thursday, September 1.
The dual meet begins at 5:15 p.m. with the women's 4k race, followed by the men's 6k at 5:45 p.m. Idaho will race against host Washington State.
The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its preseason regional rankings for the upcoming season. The Idaho women are ranked the highest they been in over ten years coming in at 11th in the West Region, while the men are 15th.
The Vandal women, picked to finish second by the Big Sky coaches, took fourth place at last year's conference championship. They return seven of their top-8 finishers from last season's team. The top returner is 2021 Big Sky Freshman of the Year
Katja Pattis who finished 10
th in that race to earn All-Conference honors. Four newcomers joined the team.
The Idaho men return six of seven scorers from a year ago. A season ago the Vandals finished fifth at the Big Sky Championships.
Tim Stevens is the top returner from that race where he finished 18
th. In the Preseason Coaches Poll, the Vandals were selected fourth. The Vandal men welcome three newcomers to the team's ranks.
Following the WSU Invite, the Vandal harriers will run at three meets before the Big Sky Championship on October 28.
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho track and field/cross country by following the team on Twitter and Instagram @IdahoTrack.