For the first time in program history, Binghamton University cross country has ranked in Division I.

Since the Bearcats made the jump to Division I seven years ago, its cross country teams have dealt with the difficulties of transitioning as much as any other program. Now both the men’s and women’s teams are ranked in the Northeast Region preseason poll. The women rank 13th and the men’s team ranks 14th.

“The poll was very exciting for our program,” said head coach Annette Acuff, entering her ninth season in the top spot. “I was [personally] very excited because we worked very hard for this.”

The program couldn’t scrape together a women’s team in the first year at the Division I level and the men’s team finished in last place. Through hard work and dedication, the program’s efforts have finally paid off.

“It is a huge benchmark that we have reached,” Acuff said. “The student-athletes, coaching staff, support staff and the administration have worked very hard to better this program.”

The poll will also bring other teams to the realization that Binghamton cross country is now a force to be reckoned with.

“The ranking brings the recognition that we are a solid program in the Northeast,” Acuff said. “And it also is a realization that both programs are going to be very competitive this year both in conference and out.”

Both teams are coming off successful outings at the Baltimore Metro cross country meet two weeks ago. The men’s squad claimed first and the women’s team came in third as both junior Chris Gaube and senior Katie Radzik captured both individual titles.

An injury-plagued season last year kept three top runners on the men’s side out of action and their return no doubt contributed to Binghamton’s rise in the rankings.

“If we are healthy our top three guys are capable of going top 10 conference this season,” Acuff said.

Binghamton will carry their new rankings and renewed confidence this weekend as they head to the Buffalo University Stampede Invitational tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.