CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Lesley University's men's cross country team earned 45 points, received all seven first-place votes, and were selected to take home their fifth straight New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) title in the annual NECC Preseason Coaches Poll released today by Assistant Commissioner for Communications, Robb Modica.

The Lynx turn to new leadership this season with first-year head coach, Patrick O'Neill, and have several key runners returning to the squad. Lesley will return 2012 NECC Runner of the Year Max Bulger (Falmouth, Me.) and 2012 Rookie of the Year Nick Green (Stoughton, Mass.) along with All-Conference runners Andrew Scott (Brattleboro, Vt.), Chris Conforti (Brattleboro, Vt.) , Ian Barber (Westhampton, Mass.).

Mitchell College collected 39 points while 2012 runner-up Southern Vermont College garnered 31 points to round out second and third place, respectively.

To view the official release, please click here.

2013 NECC Men's Cross Country Coaches Preseason Poll

1.)    Lesley University (45 points)

2.)    Mitchell College (39 points)

3.)    Southern Vermont College (31 points)

4.)    Elms College (23 points)

5.)    Newbury College (21 points)

6.)    Regis College (17 points)

7.)    Daniel Webster (16 points)