Follow our 2019 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 10 cross country teams in NCAA DII/DIII this season. The 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships will be LIVE on FloTrack for all three divisions. And be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Monday, Aug. 26, at 10 AM CT. The No. 9 DII men’s spot goes to Chico State, and here's why:

Projected Top Seven:

JR Wyatt Baxter (14:33 5K; 39th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Jhavahn Holston (40th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Jack Emanuel (15:02 5K; 126th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SR Luis Ortega (14:50 5K; 5th at ‘18 CCAA XC)

SO Trad Berti (14:40 5K)

JR Raymond Lopez (14:27 5K; 29:55 10K)

JR Matt Herrera (3:52 1500; 24:46 8K XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis: 

The Chico State men have been a constant presence at the top of DII for decades, and their impeccable record in the last 20 years — top 10 at NCAAs every year but one since 1999 — makes the Wildcats a force to be reckoned with. The same is true in 2019 as coach Gary Towne’s men return two All-Americans and welcome in a talented group of replacements to fill the remaining scoring spots.

Wyatt Baxter and Jhavahn Holston were 39th and 40th at NCAAs last fall, respectively, which were impressive finishes in each man’s nationals debut. The pair is the strength of the team and will be expected to match or improve on their NCAA showing from 2018.

Chico has depth to draw on to fill out their last three scoring spots. Jack Emanuel ran at NCAAs as a freshman last year and he’s better than his 126th-place finish would indicate. Luis Ortega was in position to challenge for an All-American honor after placing 14th at regionals, but he picked up an injury and couldn’t go at nationals. He’s a big piece for the Wildcats so long as he’s healthy.

Based on their history and roster, you can be sure that Chico State will be in the top 10 come November, especially with nationals being held in their backyard in Sacramento. They’ll want more than that, of course, with a top-five showing contingent on their newcomers adapting quickly.

FULL RANKINGS HERE