NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (August 30, 2023) – Both the Loyola Chicago men's and women's cross country teams were tabbed the preseason favorite in this year's Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll, the league announced Wednesday afternoon.
 
Both teams took the crown in 2022 earning them a majority of first-place votes. The Loyola men earned 12 of the 15 votes for 218 points in the poll, while the women took 13 of 15 votes for 222 points.
 
On the men's side, La Salle was slotted second with the remaining three first-place votes. George Mason and George Washington tied for third with 183 points to round out the top-four.
 
For the women, La Salle tied third in the poll with the remaining two first-place votes. George Mason also tied for third with 181 points, while Richmond took second with 191.
 
Two-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, Gavin Kennedy, returns to the helm for his third season piloting the program.
 
The Ramblers return Chris Devaney, who was the men's individual champion at the 2022 Championship and winner of the A10's Most Outstanding Male Performer. Also returning on the men's side are All-A10 honorees Jason Clayton and Sean O'Connell. They placed 11th and 14th, respectively.
 
Lily Mataway was named the A10 Most Outstanding Female Rookie Performer and returns for the Rambler women after placing sixth in the championship race last season. She's joined by teammate Grace Jostock who was also named All-A10 and placed 13th overall.
 
The Ramblers will open the 2023 campaign this week at the Vic Godfrey Open hosted by UW-Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Friday.