The Concordia University, Nebraska Cross County teams are each ranked in the 2008 NAIA preseason ratings. The men will start the season ranked No. 7, while the women are listed at No. 9.
Concordia is one of two GPAC teams rated on the men's side, the other being Doane at No. 11, while Dana and Sioux Falls each received votes. No other GPAC team is ranked in the top 25 on the women's side although Morningside did receive votes. A complete listing of the Top 25 teams can be found at www.NAIA.org.
For the men, this season's team will be led by junior Luka Thor (Lincoln, Neb.) who is returning from missing the 2007 season with an injury. Thor is a two-time NAIA All-American and was the 2006 GPAC and NAIA Region III Champion. Also back are the Bulldogs No. 2 and No. 3 runners, juniors Zach Meineke and David Goeglein. Head Coach Dr. Kregg Einspahr expects the men to be an improved squad.
On the women's side Concordia looks to continue their run of appearances at the NAIA National Championships. The Bulldogs have finished in the top 20 at the NAIA National Championships a remarkable 14 years in a row, including four National Runner-Up finishes in the last eight years.
The Bulldogs start their season Sept. 20, at the Woody Greeno Invite in Lincoln, Neb. The Bulldogs will not host a home meet this season due to the construction of the Health, Human Performance, and Athletic center that is scheduled for completion in mid 2009.