NEW ORLEANS - For the first time ever, the Loyola University Chicago men's cross country team has earned a spot in the NCAA Division I National Coaches' Poll, the USTFCCCA announced Tuesday.

The Ramblers come in at No. 30 after defeating then-No. 16 North Carolina and No. 24 Washington en route to a runner-up finish at the 46th Sean Earl Loyola Lakefront Invitational last Friday.

Graduate student William Sinclair led the way for Loyola, placing fourth overall in the men's Tom Cooney Championship 8K with a time of 23:24.66. Jake Phillips followed in 13th with a personal-best 23:50.3, while Hayden Healey also set a PR, clocking 24:04.46. Yusuf Baig (24:11.32) and Nate Boutin (24:22.05, PR) rounded out the Ramblers' top five.

The ranking marks Loyola's first national appearance since the final 2005 poll, when the Rambler men were No. 31 after qualifying for the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

Loyola returns to action Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Missouri Pre-National Invitational.

Help fuel Loyola Cross Country and Track & Field this season! Your gift to the program provides a competitive edge as we recruit, develop, and raise trophies. Join us in supporting the Ramblers you love during Onward in October.