Follow our 2017 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top ten cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 3 men's spot goes to Grand Valley State, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

JR Zach Panning (14:02 5K; 29:05 10K; 5th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Trevor Sharnas (18th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Wuoi Mach (3:45 1500; 8:11 3K; 48th at '16 NCAA XC)
JR Kevin Black (8:26 3K; 14:36 5K; 130th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Josh Steible (8:31 3K; 14:39 5K)

Analysis:

The men from Grand Valley very nearly ran a perfect race last year at nationals. With less than a mile to go, the Lakers held a 49-62 advantage over mighty Adams State, needing only to maintain their position to collect their first team title. Unfortunately, GVSU's fifth man for the majority of the race completely imploded over the last kilometer, going from 19th to 80th. The Lakers lost by 25 points.

With three critical pieces graduating from last year's team, the finish at NCAAs must've been especially tough for the Lakers. But this year's cupboard is certainly not bare. No. 1 man Zach Panning returns and should contend for the individual title. After his second-straight fifth-place finish at NCAAs, the junior now has just Adams State's Sydney Gidabuday ahead of him on the list of top returners. He collected PRs across all the distance events this past spring.

In Trevor Sharnas and Wuoi Mach, Grand Valley backs up their top man with two likely All-Americans. Sharnas was 18th at nationals, and despite not owning top track times he has proven himself to be consistent and elite on the grass. Conversely, Mach is a track specialist who has just narrowly missed out on All-American XC honors the last two years. After running a 3:45 1500 PR to compliment a 14:29 5K in his debut this past outdoor season, the senior looks primed to finally break through.

GVSU will enter 2017 looking up at two powerhouses that they'll need to get past to finally stand atop the podium. But as last year proved, the Lakers are not far from taking the next step up the ladder.

FULL MEN'S RANKINGS HERE