BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Bellevue University men's cross country team has been picked to finish third in the six-team North Star Athletic Association, in the annual preseason poll of NSAA coaches.

Bellevue placed second in the 2021 conference championship meet, which was hosted by BU at Platteview Country Club. Both Peyton Anthony and Chris Casart each finished in the top 10 with Casart coming in a program-best third at the meet, to qualify for the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in Vancouver, Wash.

Dakota State topped the poll with 36 points, collecting all six first place votes. Dickinson State was chosen second with 29 points followed by Bellevue in third with 22. Viterbo (19), Valley City (13), and Waldorf (7) rounded out the poll.

This year's championship race will be run at Heart River Golf Course in Dickinson, N.D. on Friday, Nov. 4. The team champion will represent the North Star at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Fla. on Nov. 18.