Jan. 24, 2008

NEW ORLEANS - After over a month of competition, the first 2008 Men's USTFCCCA Division II Coaches Power Rankings were released this morning by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville opens up as the top-ranked team in Division II with 222.63 power points. The Cougars are led by junior thrower, Scott Block, who broke two school records at last week's Eastern Illinois Mega Meet. The Hanover Park native is currently ranked fourth in the shot put with a throw of 57'3 ½" and second in the weight throw with a toss of 62' ½".

The Cougars, last year's Great Lakes Valley Conference indoor champions, hope to improve upon last year's performance at the NCAAs in which they finished 29th as a team.

Coming in at number two this week in the first rankings of 2008 is Adams State College. Last year's Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference indoor champs open up with 192.47 power points. The Grizzlies are led by junior thrower John Ybarra (ranked 2nd in the shot) and sprinter Corey Lenaris (10th in 60m dash).

Adams State finished fourth at last year's Division II indoor championships.

Round out the top five are Lock Haven University, Grand Valley State (eighth at NCAAs in 2007) and East Stroudsburg University. UMASS-Lowell, Findlay, Lewis University, University of Mary and Concordia University-St. Paul complete the top ten.

The 2008 NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships will be held March 14-15 at Myers Field House on the campus of Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn.

East Stroudsburg University is the top-ranked women's team.

The 2008 Men's USTFCCCA Division II Coaches Power Rankings

Rank	School	Region	Power Points
1.	Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville	Great Lakes	222.63
2.	Adams State College	North Central	192.47
3.	Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania	East	189.93
4.	Grand Valley State University	Great Lakes	188.42
5.	East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania	East	188.04
6.	University of Massachusetts at Lowell	New England	179.45
7.	University of Findlay	Great Lakes	170.43
8.	Lewis University	Great Lakes	162.66
9.	University of Mary	North Central	159.79
10.	Concordia University, St. Paul	North Central	155.73
11.	Saint Joseph's College (Indiana)	Great Lakes	152.88
12.	Hillsdale College	Great Lakes	149.85
13.	Adelphi University	New England	131.05
14.	Colorado School of Mines	North Central	126.71
15.	Kentucky State University	South	115.11