NEW ORLEANS --- Even before the season starts the Bellarmine University men's and women's cross country teams are being recognized among the region's elite teams as the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released their preseason regional rankings with the men ranked third and the women fourth in the Midwest Region.

After finishing in 22nd place at NCAA D-II Nationals last year, the men's team returns plenty of experience from a year ago. Jordan Parayil, Nate Dotterweich, Alex Jones, and Neal Masterson all ran in the snow on Dec. 4 at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park and hope to lead the Knights back to nationals this year.

National powerhouse Grand Valley State was picked as the region's top team followed by GLVC rival Southern Indiana at second.

On the women's side Bellarmine looks to regain championship form as they won the 2010 Great Lakes Valley Conference championship last year before finishing sixth in regionals. The women also return veterans Carissa Martin, Angela Musk, and Kelsey Love.

The Knights again are the top ranked GLVC team in the region as the USTFCCA voted last year's national champions Grand Valley State as the region's top team, followed by Ferris State and Hillsdale.

Both teams will begin their season on Sept. 9 at the 30th annual Queen City Invitational in Alexandria, Ky.

Complete USTFCCCA rankings