Release courtesy of Tom Lewis, U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, Communications Manager

NEW ORLEANS – The Lincoln (Mo.) women regained the top spot in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II National Team Computer Rankings, which were released Tuesday, but they have a lot of company near the top — as do the No. 1 Saint Augustine men.

Click here for the release on the web

Indoor champion No. 1 Saint Augustine’s made a 15.76 net point gain for a team score of 275.20 with a CIAA Team Championship this past weekend. Without that gain, the Falcons likely would have started this week the No. 2 team in the country, despite holding a 40 point lead after last week, considering the defending champion Adams State Grizzlies roared back into the race with a staggering 95.06 net gain for a team score of 260.28 to jump two spots behind strong performances at Mt. SAC.

The Grizzlies’ distance crew — which won a DII cross country title in the fall — came through big, recording seven top-10 performances including the No. 1 5000 meter time from sophomore Kevin Batt (13:44.44). Freshman triple jumper Carlton Lavong also had a big weekend with the No. 1 mark in the division at 52-5½ (15.99m).

Grand Canyon and Ashland each slipped a spot, displaced by Adams State’s jump to No. 2. Grand Canyon dropped 20.05 net points to 198.85, while Ashland fell 34.75 net points to a 175.73 team score.

Findlay rounded out the top five at 137.21 after a 5.68 point net loss.

next ranking: April 30

Dropped out: No. 18 Emporia State, No. 19 Cal State Stanislaus, No. 21 Shippensburg, No. 25 Lake Erie