Both the Emory men's and women's cross country teams have garnered preseason national rankings, with both squads opening the 2016 campaign on Thursday (Sept. 1).  Emory will venture to The Clara Bowl in Mount Berry, Georgia, to compete in the Watermelon Run.  Also taking part will be host Berry College, Piedmont College and Agnes Scott (women's race). The men's 8k competition is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m., with the women's 6K commencing at 8:15 p.m. The Clara Bowl Course will serve as the site of the 2016 NCAA South/Southeast Region Championships on Nov. 12.

The women's team holds down the No. 21 position nationally as announced by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) while the men's side is slotted 32^nd.  In the South/Southeast Region rankings, the women's team is ranked first and the men are second behind Christopher Newport.

Head Coach John Curtin begins his 31^st year at Emory with a solid group of veterans on both teams.  The Eagle women captured their second straight NCAA Regional title in 2015 and made their 11^th straight D-III Championships appearance.  Junior Gabrielle Stravach has continued the momentum from a strong spring performance in track and has impressed during the preseason.  Senior Sophie Cemaj looks for a big final year after racing to all-region honors in 2015. Sophomore Clare Ubersax, another returning all-region performer, aims to build upon a solid rookie season that saw her earn the teams' Most Outstanding Newcomer Award.  In addition, Curtin believes that junior Megan Waples could be in line for a productive year.

Fifth-year senior Lukas Mees will be the leader of the men's squad after a breakout season in 2015 that saw him rank as the Eagles' No. 1 finisher in all eight competitions.  Mees crossed the finish line in the No. 1 spot at the NCAA South/Southeast Championships, the first Emory performer to claim that distinction since 2003, and was chosen by the USTFCCCA as the Region Athlete of the Year.  Seniors Michael Sisario and Michael McBane will be key figures in the success of the team.  Sisario, who raced to all-region honors, closed out last year with a flourish, placing as the team's No. 2 runner in his last four meets. McBane, another all-region performer, scored for Emory in six of his eight outings.  Senior Grant Murphy should bolster the fortunes of the team after being slowed by injuries a year ago, while sophomore Bennett Shaw, named the program's Most Outstanding Newcomer, has a bright future after seeing action in all eight events a year ago. The men also won their second straight regional title last season.

One of the highlights of the season comes on October 29, when Emory hosts the University Athletic Association Cross Country Championships at McIntosh Reserve Park in nearby Whitesburg.