FAYETTE, Mo. - No. 25 Central Methodist has returned to glory under third-year coach Chris Sandefur. The Eagles are ranked in the latest edition of the NAIA Men's Cross Country Coaches' Top 25 Poll for the first time since 2002.

Although Central Methodist has in its history reached the National Championship race, Sandefur is hoping the Eagles can stake claim Saturday to a title they have never before: Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Champion.

The Eagles enter Saturday's race as one of the favorites to win the league's race and earn an automatic bid to the 58th Annual Men's Cross Country National Championship on November 23 at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kan.

The first five finishers for each team will score.The sixth and seventh finishers will be displacers. Sixth runners will decide any ties.

Led by Cris Renteria, the Eagles are peaking at the right time, most notably besting then No. 20 Saint Mary at the NAIA Mid-States Classic on October 26.

Renteria has been the Eagles top finisher in every race he has participated. The Monett, Mo., native posted his best 8k time of the season (24:53.55) at the Mid-States Classic and has been named HAAC Runner of the Week twice in 2013.

"He wants to be the best runner in the conference," Sandefur noted. "He needs to just run a smart race this weekend, and he will do so."

Tyler Meierarend is another sophomore expected to run well Saturday. Meierarend posted a 25:26.46 on October 26, his fastest 8k time of 2013.

Saturday's 8k race begins at 11:45 a.m. CT at Indian Foothills Golf Course in Marshall, Mo.