NEW YORK - On Tuesday, August 27, the U.S. Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its 2013 National Preseason Cross Country Poll and the Columbia men’s cross country team stands among the nation’s best with a solid ranking at No. 18. This marks the highest preseason ranking for the Lions, who represent one of two Ivy League schools in the top 20.

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The men’s team will look to build on a historic 2012 season as they return two standout upperclassmen from last year’s Northeast Regional runner-up squad in Jacob Sienko and Daniel Everett. Along with a bevy of talented newcomers and a hard-working core of returning letterwinners, Columbia is poised to have another stellar cross country season.

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Columbia capped a sensational season with a 17th-place overall finish at the 2012 National Cross Country Championships. For the first time in program history, the Lions posted a top-20 finish on the nation's ultimate stage with a team total of 439 points.

On their way to a historic performance, Columbia defeated perennial powers Georgia, Oregon and Northeast regional winner Iona in the 10k-race. Senior Jacob Sienko crossed the line in 74th at 30:30.9 and returns this season as one of the Lions two top-100 finishers.