BYU Cross Country teams ranked No. 2 at the same time for the first time in program history

NEW ORLEANS – For the first time in program history, both BYU cross country teams are ranked No. 2 in the country. 

The BYU women jumped up two spots in the latest USFTCCCA NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll, their best ranking since 2003. The Cougar men remain at No. 2 for the 13th consecutive week, dating back to August 28, 2018.

This marks the first time both teams have been ranked this high at the same time in program history.

Last week marked the first time since 2005 that both teams have been ranked in the top five after the women’s strong win at the Bill Dellinger Invitational. The Cougar women placed three runners in the top-5 against multiple ranked teams.

BYU is seeing strong performances from Whittni Orton after her first-place finish at the Bill Dellinger Invitational, while All-American teammates Erica Birk-Jarvis and Courtney Wayment finished in second and fourth, respectively.

On the men’s side, sophomore Conner Mantz has yet to lose a meet. He has won each meet he’s competed in this season, winning both the BYU Autumn Classic and the Bill Dellinger Invitational. Five other Cougars placed in the top-25 at Bill Dellinger including Jacob Heslington in eighth, Michael Ottesen in 15th and Brandon Garnica following in 16th.

Both teams return to action next week at the Pre-Nationals Invitational in Terre Haute, Indiana, on Saturday, Oct. 19. 

The full release and rankings can be found on ustfccca.org.