KANSAS CITY Central Methodist has been picked to finish second in the 2013 Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Preseason Men's Cross Country Coaches' Poll.

The Eagles finished fourth in the conference championship meet last season. Central Methodist returns seven of its top eight runners from 2012, with junior Ryan Farrell as the lone upperclassman. Sophomores Tyler Meierarend, Brett Davis and Cris Renteria were honorable mention All-HAAC performers last season. The Eagles have also added eight freshmen to the bunch for the 2013 campaign.

Missouri Valley sits atop the preseason poll, followed by Central Methodist. Benedictine (Kan.) has been picked to finish third, while defending champion Baker is seeded fourth. Avila (Mo.), Culver-Stockton (Mo.), Evangel (Mo.) and Graceland (Iowa) fill spots five through eight.

The 2013 season for the Eagles opens on Saturday when Central Methodist hosts the Eagle Invitational. The men's race is set to begin at 10 a.m. CT.

2013 HAAC Preseason Men's Cross Country Poll