BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University men's cross country team has been picked to finish in third place at the 2022 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Championships as the MASCAC Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll was released today by conference director of media relations, Emily Loux.

The Bears received 26 points in the poll. Fitchburg State University topped the poll with 33 points including three first place votes, while defending champion Worcester State University placed second with 31 points and four first place points.

Returning veterans Paul Giovanoni (Sr., Middleboro, Mass.), Ryan Goldman (Sr., Franklin, Mass.), Kenny Goodwin (So., Chelmsford, Mass.) Jack Owen (Sr., Weymouth, Mass.) and Sam Steere (Jr., West Kingston, R.I.) will help lead the Bears in 2022.

The Bears will open the season on Friday, September 2nd (5:30 PM) when they travel to the Mark Coogan Cross Country Course in Attleboro, Massachusetts for the 8th Annual Wheaton and Babson Season Opener. The 2022 MASCAC Championships will take place on Saturday, October 29th (11:00 AM) at Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts with Westfield State University serving as the host institution.