DAHLONEGA, GA – The North Georgia College & State University men’s and women’s cross country programs were picked to finish fourth in the Peach Belt Conference according to the preseason coaches poll released this afternoon by the league office.

Columbus State University was chosen by the league’s head coaches to capture the men’s and women’s titles, despite Augusta State University capturing the women’s title last season and advancing to the NCAA Division II National Championships.

First year head coach Tom Williams will take over the North Georgia programs that both finished in the top four in the Peach Belt Conference last season.

The women finished third at the 18th annual PBC Championships on the campus of Georgia College & State University in 2008 as freshman Katie Vance earned Peach Belt All-Conference honors and will look to guide the Lady Saints to another strong finish this season in one of the toughest leagues in the nation.

A young men’s team will look to Tyler Mattix and Teale Marchette to build on late-season success last year and continue to make strides to the front of the league. At the 2008 PBC Championships, the six competing teams found themselves just 126 points apart as North Georgia finished in fourth position.

The 2009 cross country season begins for the Saints and Lady Saints on September 5, at the Jacksonville State Strut’s Season Opener, while the season will culminate with the 19th annual PBC Championships on Oct. 24 in Pembroke, N.C. and hosted by UNC Pembroke.