RICHMOND, VA --- The University of Delaware men’s and women’s cross country squads were each picked fourth in the Colonial Athletic Association Pre-Season Coaches Poll announced by the league office.

The William & Mary men’s and women’s teams were each picked to successfully defend their 2005 titles from a vote of the league coaches. Both Delaware teams placed fourth at the 2005 CAA championship meet.

The Tribe men, who have won six straight league titles, received seven first place votes and finished with 63 points. Georgia State and James Madison were tied for the No. 2 spot with 52 points with Georgia State earning one first place votes. James Madison has been the league runner-up five straight times. Delaware was fourth with 41 points followed by George Mason (35 points, one first place vote), Virginia Commonwealth, Hofstra, Northeastern, and UNC Wilmington.

On the women’s side, the three-time defending champion Tribe were picked to win once again with 81 points and nine first place votes. James Madison was picked No. 2 with 73 points and one first place vote followed by Georgia State (59), Delaware (58), Towson, Hofstra, Northeastern, UNC Wilmington, Virginia Commonwealth, and George Mason.

The Delaware men are led by All-CAA senior P.J. Meany, who placed eighth at the CAA championships a year ago. The UD women are led by junior Colleen O’Brien, who placed third at the CAA meet each of the last two seasons and was the 2004 CAA Rookie of the Year.

Both University of Delaware men’s and women’s cross country squads will host the annual Delaware Invitational this Saturday, Sept. 16, at White Clay Creek State Park. The men’s race begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the women’s race at 11:10 a.m.