LOGAN, Utah – After strong showings in its opening two meets, Utah State's men's cross country team jumps into the No. 29 spot in this week's U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Coaches' Poll.

This is the first time the Aggie men have been nationally ranked since 2024, when they finished the season ranked 23rd after finishing fourth at the Mountain Regional Championships and 22nd at the NCAA Championships.

Utah State makes its way into the polls after a 13th-place performance at the John McNichols Invitational last weekend, where they bested four ranked opponents in the 8K race, including Mountain Region opponent Air Force, which fell from a No. 23 preseason ranking this week. Garrett Woodhouse made up 12 spots in the final stint of the race to place 33rd individually against the nation's top runners.

"This is a nice recognition for the men," said Utah State's Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Artie Gulden. "Our focus is on improving each week and building throughout the season. Hopefully, this will serve as continued motivation."

This season, Utah State won the home-hosted Utah State Alumni Challenge, scoring 25 team points capped by an individual victory from Jedidiah Megargel. On the same weekend, Joshua McKee represented Utah State at the Mike Baumer XC Classic in Fairborn, Ohio, finishing first in the 5K race.

UP NEXT
The women's squad competes this Friday, Sept. 25, at the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Mo. The Aggie men will rejoin the action for Idaho State's Bengal Invitational the following week on Friday, Oct. 2.

FOLLOW
Fans can follow the Utah State cross country programs on X at USUTF_XC, on Facebook at USUTrack and on Instagram at USUTF_XC. Aggies fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on X at USUAthletics or on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics. 

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