LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The University of the Cumberlands men's cross country is the favorite in the Mid-South Conference, according to the MSC Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Thursday.

The 12-time and defending champion Patriots received 36 points, including six of the seven first-place votes. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

Lindsey Wilson College is second in the preseason voting with 30 points and Georgetown College is third after receiving 23 points from the conference coaches.

MSC newcomer University of Rio Grande is fourth in the poll with 22 points, including the final first-place vote.

Campbellsville University (18 points), Pikeville College (11) and West Virginia University Tech (7) rounds out the poll.

The cross country season kicks off the first weekend in September. The Mid-South Conference Championships are scheduled for November 7 in Louisville.