SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The North Dakota State University women's and men's cross country teams were both picked to finish second in The Summit League this season, according to the annual preseason coaches' poll released Tuesday.
 
In addition, NDSU's Kaleesa Houston and Payton Smith were named to the league's list of Athletes to Watch. Houston placed seventh at the Summit League Championships last season and was among NDSU's top three finishers at every meet she entered. Smith also finished among NDSU's top three at all five meets he ran last fall.
 
South Dakota State was voted the favorite to win both the men's and women's team titles.
 
The Bison cross country squads will open the season this Friday, Sept. 2, in Grand Forks, N.D.
 
 
2022 Summit League Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll

	Team	Score (1st place votes)
1.	South Dakota State	49 (7)
2.	North Dakota State	37
3.	St. Thomas	36
4.	North Dakota	33 (1)
5.	South Dakota	30
6.	Kansas City	15
7.	Western Illinois	13
8.	Oral Roberts	11

 
2022 Summit League Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll

	Team	Score (1st place votes)
1.	South Dakota State	64 (8)
2.	North Dakota State	56 (1)
3.	South Dakota	47
4.	North Dakota	42
5.	St. Thomas	40
6.	Kansas City	25
7.	Omaha	20
8.	Western Illinois	17
9.	Oral Roberts	13

 
 
Kaleesa Houston, North Dakota State
Jr. | Waconia, Minn.

• Clocked a personal-best 6K time of 21:49.9 at the Bradley Pink Classic
• Finished seventh at the 2021 Summit League championships for All-League first team honors
• Took 79th overall at the NCAA Midwest Regional

 
Payton Smith, North Dakota State
Jr. | Carrington, N.D.

• Among NDSU's top three finishers in all five meets he ran in during the 2021 season
• Finished in 21st place overall at the League Championships
• Was the No. 2 finisher for NDSU at the NCAA Midwest Regional, taking 116th place in the 10K