By SDSU ATHLETICS

ELMHURST, Ill. — SDSU’s men’s and women’s cross country teams were picked for a first and second-place finish respectively in the Summit League’s preseason poll.

The Jackrabbit women claimed the second position with 53 points. The SDSU men garnered five first-place votes and 46 preseason points.

North Dakota State women  were  first overall with 64 points, and eight first-place votes. NDSU men were second. The Bison women are the defending champs from last season.

Last year, the SDSU women and men’s teams placed fourth and third respectively in The Summit League.

Erin Hargens and Tera Potts are both returning this year. Hargens finished 17th, and Potts finished 20th at last season’s Summit League Championships.

Anthony Bongard and Michael Krsnak will compete for the men this year after redshirting last season. The team is eager to welcome back second-team all-Summit member — and newcomer of the championship — Trent Lusignan.

The Jackrabbits begin their season Aug. 31 at the NDSU Open in Fargo, N.D., with a start time of 6 p.m.