Mount Mercy has been picked to return to the top as the 2013 Midwest Collegiate Conference men's cross country coaches' poll was released today.

The Mustangs, league champions in 2010 and 2011, were denied a three-peat last year by St. Ambrose by a slim two-point margin.  Mount Mercy has earned 58 points and five first-place votes.

St. Ambrose, with 50 points, is second with the final first-place vote.  William Penn (30) is third, while Grand View (24), Viterbo (16), and Clarke (6) round out the poll.

All six league teams open 2013 on August 30 with Mount Mercy hosting Grand View and William Penn at the Mustang Gallop.

2013 MCC Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. Mount Mercy             58 (5)
2. St. Ambrose              50 (1)
3. William Penn             30
4. Grand View               24
5. Viterbo                      16
6. Clarke                       6