Two-time defending ODAC champion Bridgewater College received nine first place votes on the way to 99 total points to lead the 2015 ODAC Men’s Cross Country Preseason Poll.

Washington and Lee University picked up the remaining two top nods from the league’s head coaches, securing 91 tallies.

Eastern Mennonite University and Roanoke College are separated by just four points (76-72) for third.

Last season, Bridgewater blistered the field at the 2014 ODAC Championships, hosted by Guilford College.

Three Eagles picked up All-ODAC First Team honors, finishing in the top-seven, but it was the overall depth that captured the crown for BC with seven total runners stopping the watches in the top-13 to earn All-ODAC status. 

BC’s strong showing didn’t keep Washington and Lee from enjoying considerable success, owning three times inside the top-nine including individual champion Ian McDonald.

Four of Bridgewater’s seven All-ODAC competitors return, including first team honoree Matt Denlinger.

The 2015 season begins with a series of events on Tuesday. The ODAC Preview will be hosted by eventual conference championship-host Bridgewater on Friday, Sept. 11.

Hampden-Sydney College will be led this year by Max Morgan, who has the top returning times in both the 6K and 8K course.

Head coach Betsy Leonard will look for a talented group of newcomers to help push the program and elevate the Tigers in the ODAC standings.

2015 ODAC men’s

cross-country preseason poll

(#) Denotes First Place Votes

1. Bridgewater College (9) 99 pts.

2. Washington and Lee University (2) 91 pts.

3. Eastern Mennonite University 76 pts.

4. Roanoke College 72 pts.

5. Lynchburg College 63 pts.

6. Emory & Henry College 53 pts.

7. Virginia Wesleyan College 48 pts.

8. Shenandoah University 46 pts.

9. Guilford College 26 pts.

10. Randolph College 18 pts.

11. Hampden-Sydney College 13 pts.