NEW ORLEANS – For the first time in program history, the Jacksonville State men's cross country program is ranked in the in-season United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association South Region rankings. 

Jax State was briefly ranked in the 2010 USTFCCCA South Region preseason rankings at No. 13. 
 
The Gamecocks turned in a team win at the Upstate Invitational over the weekend and jumped into the rankings at No. 14. 
 
"This ranking is a testament to the work and dedication of this group," said head coach Jeremy Provence, "It is a first for this team and it is something they have wanted to see happen since the first day of practice. This is a good metric that validates some of the success we have had recently and hopefully continues to build energy and confidence in our group." 
 
The team championship at the Upstate Invitational was the third of the season for the Gamecocks. Jax State has been helped along by both impressive performances from freshmen Dennis Kipkurui, Meshack Kosgei and Mark Roper alongside consistent results from returners Jack Lowe and Rodrigo Fraga.
 
Prior to the Upstate Invitational title, Jax State took home team championships at the season opening Foothills Invitational and the UNA Invitational. 
 
"The most important thing for our team is showing up on meet day and beating teams when it matters," said Provence, "We are going to continue to work the next two weeks and make sure we are ready for the upcoming conference and regional championship meets."
 
Jax State carries the ranking into the Conference USA Championship on Nov. 2, being held in the Gamecocks' backyard at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Ala. 
 
USTFCCCA South Region Rankings
1. Alabama
2. Tennessee
3. Florida State
4. Ole Miss
5. Lipscomb
6. Auburn
7. Georgia Tech
8. Middle Tennessee
9. North Florida
10. Florida
11. Belmont
12. Georgia
13. Vanderbilt
14. Jax State
15. Kennesaw State