MARION, Ind. -- The Indiana Wesleyan University men's cross country team was recognized this week for the first time in the NAIA Men's Cross Country Coaches' Top-25 Poll, which was announced Wednesday evening.

The Wildcats went from the receiving votes section all the way to No. 17. IWU earned 266 points in the ranking.

Indiana Wesleyan made their move with an impressive performance at the prestigious Griak Invitational, one of the largest cross country meets in the nation hosted by University of Minnesota. IWU finished eighth of 36 teams in the Maroon Division II race that featured 24 NCAA Division II programs and 12 NAIA schools. Indiana Wesleyan was the top NAIA team in the meet which featured then No. 15-ranked Morningside (Iowa) College and No. 19-ranked Concordia (Neb.) University.

The top spot in the poll is tightly contested between three programs. Southern Oregon University remains No. 1 with 579 points and 11-of-21 first place votes. Cal State-San Marcos is second with 573 points and five first place votes and University of Saint Francis (Ill.) is third with 560 points and the final five first place votes.

Indiana Wesleyan returns to action this Saturday, October 6 with their only home meet of the season. The IWU Invitational is during Homecoming and begins at 10 a.m. at the Outdoor Sports Complex.