BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The University of Jamestown was picked to finish 11th in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) women's cross country coaches' poll, released on Monday.

NSIC RELEASE

Augustana University was picked to win the NSIC after receiving 10 first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team) and tallying 217 points to sit 15 points ahead of Winona State, which had 202 points and three first place votes.  The University of Mary was third with 199 points and a first place vote, while Minnesota State was fourth with 193 points and two first place votes.  

"We are very young, but I believe we have the tools to be fairly competitive early on in our time in the NSIC," said head coach Jarvis Jelen. "We should have a good mix of returners and freshman in our top 7 and a good, tight pack. The team has done an excellent job of buying into the program culture and training and I'm excited to see what they can do this fall!"

Lydia Franson was chosen as the Jimmies' Athlete to Watch.

"Lydia had an excellent high school career and has quickly bought into our program," Jelen said. "I expect her to be competitive during her first year in college, likely leading our program along the way. I'm excited to see what she can do this fall in our first year in the NSIC!"

The Jimmies open the season on Friday, September 5 at the Augustana Twilight in Sioux Falls, S.D.