"We're excited to get the fall season underway," head coach Dan Hostager said. "It's great to see the men's team is already ranked in the region since its reflective of their hard work.

The Bulldogs rank in the same spot as they ended the season last year after spending several weeks in the top ten. Drake ranked as high as ninth in the midwest region last season in mid-October.

"Of course, the guys realize that a preseason ranking really doesn't mean much and will be very motivated to move into the top 10 as the fall season progresses," Hostager said.

The midwest region offers some of the best talent in the nation. Oklahoma State has won two of the past three championships. The region houses one of the best runners in the country with Chris O'Hare, who was named USTFCCCA Indoor Track Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Drake will open the season Friday (Aug. 31) hosting the annual 4k Bulldog Classic at Ewing Park on the south-side of Des Moines. The first of two meets in Des Moines for the Bulldogs will see them compete against in-state rivals UNI and Iowa State. The men won the event last season. The women will start at 5 p.m. with the men's race to follow shortly after at 5:45.