Cheney, Wash. — The Big Sky Conference released its preseason coaches' poll on August 18, with both Eastern Washington University's cross country teams earning fifth-place rankings. The men's team collected 56 points, while the women's team tied for fifth with 53 points.
 
The Eagles wrapped up their 2024 season at the Big Sky Championships held at Riverside Golf Course in Pocatello, Idaho. The men's team finished fourth overall with 135 points, and the women placed fifth with 151 points. This year's Big Sky Championship will take place in Bozeman, Montana, on November 1.
 
Eastern Washington opens its 2025 season by hosting its only home meet of the year, the Clash of the Inland Northwest, on Friday, August 29, on campus. Admission is free.
 
Some returning Eagles expected to have standout seasons include Nattie Ruzauskas, Sara Sanders, and Owen Higgins. Additionally, transfer Nathan Plant, from Northern Colorado, is set to make an impact.
 
The preseason polls are voted on by the conference's 10 cross country head coaches. EWU's Sam Read enters his eighth season as head coach of the Eagles in 2025.
 
2025 Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
 
1: Northern Arizona (9) – 99
2: Montana State (1) – 90
3: Weber State – 81
4: Idaho State – 64
5: Eastern Washington – 56
6: Idaho – 55
7: Montana – 40
8: Sacramento State – 32
9: Portland State – 20
10: Northern Colorado – 13
 
2025 Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
 
1: Northern Arizona (10) – 100
2: Montana State – 86
3: Weber State – 82
4: Idaho State – 61
T5: Eastern Washington – 53
T5: Idaho – 53
7: Sacramento State – 43
8: Northern Colorado – 36
9: Montana – 23
10: Portland State – 13
 
() – First Place Votes
   
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ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
 
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