HELENA -- The Frontier Conference's cross country coaches tabbed Montana Tech's men fourth in the league's annual preseason poll, the conference office announced Tuesday.
The Orediggers gathered 70 points in the balloting, checking in comfortably behind third-place Bellevue (79) and ahead of fifth-picked Dakota State (64). The Frontier coaches voted defending champion Carroll as the favorite with 98 points and eight first-place nods, while Rocky Mountain checked in second at 87 points and the remaining three top votes. A first-place vote is worth 10 points, second place is worth nine, third is worth eighth, and down the list to last place with one point. Coaches may not vote for their own teams.
This year's cross country season, like other Frontier Conference sports, will have a new look to it with the addition of five programs to the league. Bellevue, Dakota State, Dickinson State, and Valley City State join the conference via its absorption of the North Star Athletic Association, while Bismarck State enters the league from the NJCAA's Mon-Dak Athletic Conference as it transitions to a four-year institution.
The Orediggers bring back an experienced core from the 2024 season, led by senior
Ben Zerr, who was all-conference a year ago after finishing fourth at the championship meet. Another All-Frontier performer,
Derek Schultz, remains with the program this year but will not be using a season of eligibility. Both represented Montana Tech at the NAIA national meet last season.
Montana Tech toes the line for the first time in the 2025 season next Friday, August 29 in Bozeman at the MSU Bobcat Twilight.
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2025 Frontier Conference Men's Cross Country
Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (First Place Votes) |
Total Points |
| 1 |
Carroll (8) |
98 |
| 2 |
Rocky Mountain (3) |
87 |
| 3 |
Bellevue |
79 |
| 4 |
Montana Tech |
70 |
| 5 |
Dakota State |
64 |
| 6 |
Bismarck State |
57 |
| 7 |
Dickinson State |
54 |
| 8 |
Montana Western |
32 |
| 9 |
MSU-Northern |
30 |
| 10 |
Valley City State |
20 |
| 11 |
Providence |
14 |
###
