LAKEWOOD, CO- The United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced their week 1 Coaches' Poll on Wednesday, and after stellar starts to the season, the Cougars men have climbed to #5 and the women have jumped to #19 in the latest poll. 

The men find themselves at #5 after a dominant and impressive victory at the UCCS Rust Buster to start the season. With Matthew Storer claiming the race victory with a time of 24.44.1, nine seconds faster than the nearest competitor, and five runners in the top 7, CCU looked like a well oiled machine in their first race of the year. Previously ranked ninth before competition began, the #5 ranking matches the highest the Cougars have achieved in program history. The last time they sat at five in the country was in the 2023 season after they finished third at Nationals the year before. 

The women were receiving votes but not ranked to start the season, but after a strong showing at the UCCS Rust Buster, they have vaulted to the #19 spot in this weeks' rankings. With Lorelei Daugherty, Alysia Wagner and Rachel Harpt all coming in the top 20, the team finished in third place overall and showed they are a contender as they came just behind #7 UCCS and Colorado College. Big things are ahead for this team as they look to continue the momentum into the fall and make another bid at Nationals. 

Both teams will compete at the Roadrunners Invitational held at Washington park in Denver September 20. 

USTFCCCA Week 1 Men's Poll
USTFCCCA Week 1 Women's Poll