NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Ithaca College women's and men's cross country teams have received preseason recognition from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The women's team ranks 28th nationally and fifth in the Atlantic Region poll, while the men's squad sits seventh in the regional rankings.

In 2012, the women's team ran to its 10th straight Empire 8 crown to remain the only school to win the title since the conference began sponsoring the sport in 2003. Ithaca placed second at the NYSCTC Championship, fifth at the NCAA Atlantic Region Championship and 30th at the NCAA Championship.

The men's team tallied its sixth Empire 8 crown last season, and third straight, before placing seventh at the NCAA Atlantic Region Championship. The Bombers also placed third at the NYSCTC Championship and sent two individuals to the national race.

Ithaca opens its 2013 campaign Saturday with the Jannette Bonrouhi-Zakiam Memorial Alumni Run, before traveling to Oswego Saturday, Sept. 7 to kickoff intercollegiate competition.