The Central women’s cross country team is ranked third to start the season in the USTFCCCA Midwest Regional Rankings as released earlier this week, while Simpson was ranked seventh as the two schools are among four American Rivers Conference teams ranked.

The Dutch are coming off of a fourth place finish at the NCAA DIII Midwest Regional competition, while Simpson placed seventh. Wartburg was picked fourth and Loras fifth, making the ARC four of the top seven in the midwest.

The Central men are also ranked sixth in the preseason rankings, while Simpson is ranked ninth, part of five American Rivers Conference teams in the top 10. Wartburg is ranked first in the region, with Loras fourth, and Dubuque 10th. Central finished fourth at the Midwest Regional last season, while Simpson was seventh.

The Storm gets their season started tomorrow for the annual Bill Buxton Invitational, while the Dutch teams will host the Central Dutch Invitational on September 6th.