MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Auburn University at Montgomery men's cross country team was picked to finish fifth in the Gulf South Conference by the league's coaches. 

AUM returns a pair of runners from its top five at last year's GSC championships, including Patrick Pigg and Connor Stoots. The Warhawks also return Hayes Colvin, Parker Draughon, Jay Hughes, Sam Leslie, Brandon McKee, and Brady Thomas.

The Warhawks also welcome newcomers Dalton Benefield, Mark Foster, Joshua Hill, and Basil Koech.

AUM opens the 2023 campaign at the Foothills Invitational (Sept. 1) in Oxford, Alabama on the Choccolocco Park course and the Southern Showcase (Sept. 15) at John Hunt Park in Hunstville, Alabama. Both meets are hosted by Jacksonville State University. AUM closes the month of September at the Florida State Seminoles Invitational (Sept. 29) in Tallahassee, Florida.

The Warhawks open October at the Royals' Challenge (Oct. 6) in Charlotte, North Carolina at McAlpine Creek Park. Two weeks later the GSC Championship (Oct. 21) takes place at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama at 8:30 a.m. 

The NCAA South Region Championship race (Nov. 4) is in Montevallo, Alabama this season on the University of Montevallo's campus. 

2023 GSC MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY POLL
First-place votes ( )

1. Lee - 119 (9)
2. Mississippi College - 110 (2)
3. Alabama Huntsville - 103 (1)
4. Montevallo - 87
5. Auburn Montgomery - 74
6. Valdosta State - 68
7. Christian Brothers - 59
8. West Alabama - 47
9. West Florida - 46
10. Union - 42
11. West Georgia - 26
12. Shorter - 11

 
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