NEW ORLEANS, La. - Appalachian State University men's cross country was picked 13th in the Southeast region for the annual preseason U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) regional poll, announced by the office on Monday.

"Much like the women, the ACC and SEC are very strong conferences for men's cross country," said head coach Michael Curcio. "Once you add in Furman, William and Mary, Eastern Kentucky, and High Point, to be considered with them in this year's poll tells us we are respected by the other teams in this region."

The Mountaineers were one of four representatives from the Sun Belt Conference including South Alabama (South - No. 10), UT Arlington (South Central - No. 6) and Louisiana-Lafayette (South Central - No. 14). 2014 regional champion, Virginia, was picked to defend its title while Furman, North Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, and N.C. State rounded out the top five.

App State will again be led by Kyle McFoy who returns for his senior season as well as Michael Ellis, Chris Anderson and Evan Laratta. McFoy finished in the top 25 five times and took fifth place at the league meet a season ago. Ellis was the Apps' top finisher at the regional meet (11th place) while Anderson finished in the top 25 in four of his five events and Laratta was among the top 40 to place at five meets.

Appalachian State will open the season on Friday at home with the Covered Bridge Open, which is set to begin at 6 p.m.