MANSFIELD, Mass. – The Southern New Hampshire University men's cross country team has been predicted to finish third this season.  The pre-season poll, released Wednesday, has the Penmen with 96 points by a vote of the NE10 men's cross country coaches.  

Defending champ Southern Connecticut State University (120) received ten first-place votes to finish first in the poll.  Franklin Pierce University (110) received the other two first-place votes. 

The Penmen were followed in the poll by Assumption University (84), American International College (82), and Bentley University (64).

Head Cross Country Coach Rich Marcello and Director of Cross Country Lex Butler have a roster of nine runners, which includes four freshmen.  Sophomore Dillon Labonte (Lee, N.H.) and junior Carter Sylvester (Northwood, N.H.) were both named Northeast-10 Second-Team All-Conference a year ago and return to compete this season.

The NE10 Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Sunday, October 22, at Stanley Park in Westfield, Mass., and will be hosted by American International College.   

The season-opener takes place at Saint Anselm College.  The men's race at the Shacklette Invitational is scheduled for 11 a.m.

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