Oct. 5, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. -

After a second-place finish at the Oklahoma State University Cowboy Jamboree, the Kansas women's cross country team advanced seven spots to No. 5 in the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association regional poll, announced Monday. The men's team remained steady at No. 9 in the Midwest Region.

The women's team was preseason ranked No. 9, but fell to No. 12 following its first two meets of the season. After a strong performance in Stillwater, the KU women now occupy the No. 5 spot in the Midwest Region poll. Conference opponent Iowa State is atop the list, followed by Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa.

The men's team maintained its No. 9 ranking, behind three Big 12 schools: Oklahoma State, Iowa State and Oklahoma, which are ranked No. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The KU men won their first two events of the 2009 campaign and finished sixth last weekend at the OSU Cowboy Jamboree.

Both the men's and women's squads have two more competitions before the Midwest Regional Championships on Nov. 14. The top two teams from each regional event automatically advance to the 2009 National Championships in Terre Haute, Ind

Midwest Region Rankings - Week 2

WOMEN

1.   Iowa State

2.   Minnesota

3.   Illinois

4.   Iowa

5.    Kansas

6.   Nebraska

7.   Kansas State

8.   Wichita State

9.   Missouri

10.  Tulsa

11.  Illinois State

12.  Bradley

13.  Oklahoma State

14.  Missouri State

15.  Southern Illinois

Midwest Region Rankings - Week 2

MEN

1.   Oklahoma State

2.   Iowa State

3.   Oklahoma

4.   Minnesota

5.   Tulsa

6.   Southern Illinois

7.   Iowa

8.   Illinois

9.    Kansas

10.  Nebraska

11.  Illinois State

12.  Missouri

13.  Loyola Chicago

14.  South Dakota State

15.  Kansas State