KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State Owls men’s cross country team is ranked 12th in the NCAA Division I South Region for the second consecutive week according to the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's latest poll released on Monday.

The Owls held steady in rankings, with their spot unchanged following a week off. The Black and Gold are one of four Atlantic Sun Conference programs to be ranked in the region this week, joining Belmont (11th), East Tennessee State (13th), and Lipscomb (15th).

“We had a tradition of being one of the top teams in the South Region year after year when we competed at the Division II level,” said associate head coach Don McGarey. “It’s great to see us back in the rankings, now in Division I. Hopefully this is just a start for us, as our goal is to be a top-10 team when we run in the region meet in November.”

Kennesaw State returns to action on Saturday at the Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic in Orlando. The meet is will feature 40 top teams from around the country. It will be the squad’s second-to-last tune-up before the Atlantic Sun Conference Men's Cross Country Championship at Stetson University in Deland, Fla. on Oct. 31.

NCAA South Region Rankings- 10/5/09

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Tennessee
4. South Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Florida
7. Middle Tennessee State
8. Auburn
9. Mississippi State
10. Georgia Tech
11. Belmont
12. Kennesaw State
13. East Tennessee State
14. Chattanooga
15. Lipscomb