Posted: Aug 19, 2025
Flames picked second in GPAC preseason cross country poll
SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Others are taking notice of the strides the College of Saint Mary cross country program is making.
The Flames are second in the 2025 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Preseason Coaches' Cross Country Poll, their highest preseason placing in program history.
CSM picked up 104 points along with one first-place vote to edge Doane (103) for second place in the preseason poll. Defending champion Dordt enters as the preseason favorite after earning 121 points and the other 11 first-place votes.
Following Doane in the voting are Concordia (93), Northwestern (78), Morningside (74), Hastings (60), Midland (50), Mount Marty (44), Waldorf (32), Briar Cliff (17) and Dakota Wesleyan (16).
A year ago, the Flames were picked seventh in the preseason but placed second in the GPAC Championships, the best finish in program history.
CSM opens its season Sept. 13 at the Sunflower Open in Sioux Center, Iowa.
The 2025 GPAC Cross Country Championships are Nov. 8 in Ashland, Neb., at Mahoney State Park and will be hosted by Doane.
Coaches could not vote for their own team in the poll.
GPAC Cross Country Preseason Poll
| School | Points | |
| 1. | Dordt | 121 (11) |
| 2. | College of Saint Mary | 104 (1) |
| 3. | Doane | 103 |
| 4. | Concordia | 93 |
| 5. | Northwestern | 78 |
| 6. | Morningside | 74 |
| 7. | Hastings | 60 |
| 8. | Midland | 50 |
| 9. | Mount Marty | 44 |
| 10. | Waldorf | 32 |
| 11. | Briar Cliff | 17 |
| 12. | Dakota Wesleyan | 16 |