SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse University cross country program has started the 2010 season on the right foot. Both the men and women's teams have been tabbed as top 15 squads by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The Orange women have reached the highest national standing in program history and are ranked seventh, while the men are currently 14th.

The reining Northeast Regional Champion squads have owned the rights to the top spots in the region since the preseason poll. The women have finished in first place in each of the first three meets this season, including a win last weekend at the Wisconsin adidas Invitational. The Orange crossed the finish line before No. 7 Florida and four other nationally ranked opponents. The men remain the highest nationally ranked team in the BIG EAST at 14th. They have recorded two first-place finishes and took fourth in Wisconsin, beating three other top 30 teams.

With nearly two weeks until the Orange compete again, the teams are busy training hard and focusing their efforts on the road ahead. Up next, Syracuse will travel to Charlottesville, Va. to compete in the Panorama Farms Invitational on October 15 at the University of Virginia. Members of SU's squad will also make the trip to Terre Haute, Ind. on October 16 to participate in the Pre-Nationals meet.

Syracuse will host its first BIG EAST Championship in program history on October 30 at Jamesville Beach Park. The men have their eye on repeating as champions, while the women look to improve on their program-best third-place finish in 2009.