NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Loras College men's cross country team appeared in the national rankings in the first United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) polls released this week.

The Duhawks landed at No. 5 in the Midwest Region and No. 30 nationally. Wartburg, North Central (Ill.), UChicago and Washington University hold the top four regional spots.

Loras' ranking follows a strong start to the season at the Bob Schultz Invite on Aug. 29 at the Dubuque Soccer Complex. Isaac Bourne led the way with a record-breaking run of 14:56.8 in the 5K to win the race and set a new program record. Eric Rutherford finished second (15:20.4) and Ryan McGrath placed fourth (15:29.0), giving Loras three runners in the top five.

Also scoring for the Duhawks were Jack Beehler (7th, 15:48.2), Colby Cryer (9th, 15:52.6), Evan Schlichting (12th, 16:12.5) and Brayden Frey (13th, 16:14.3).

Regional Rankings are determined subjectively by a single-member coach in each respective region. The regional representative is tasked with weighing returning teams' strength with current season results (if applicable) in determining a rank-order of squad potential. Only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible to receive a ranking. Teams with provisional status within the region may be ranked.

Regional Championships is set for Saturday, Nov. 15, which is where one team from each region will automatically qualify for the 2025 NCAA DIII Cross Country Championships.

The Duhawks return to action Friday, Sept. 19, at the Bradley Intercollegiate in Peoria, Ill. The men's race begins at 5:15 p.m.