Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top cross country teams in the NCAA this season, which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 9 men’s spot in DIII goes to Carleton, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SO Matthew Wilkinson (9:19 3K SC; 14:53 5K; 71st at ’17 NCAA XC)

JR Cameron Meikle (8:41 3K; 100th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SO Lucas Mueller (8:21 3K; 14:50 5K; 120th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Tris Dodge (14:45 5K; 30:34 10K; 132nd at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Keenan Ronayne (266th at ’17 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis:

Carleton College will surely miss All-American Donson Cook-Gallardo, who led the team in 15th at nationals last year, but the return of five other NCAA veterans gives reason for optimism that the Knights can crack the top 10 for the second straight year.

Matthew Wilkinson is the top returner to the team, and he’s only a sophomore. Wilkinson impressed with his 71st place finish at NCAAs, and he a had very nice first track season as well. As such, expect him to battle for an All-American honor this year with a full season under his belt. Fellow second-year Lucas Mueller was also a stud on the track. Mueller ran a stellar 8:21 3k to qualify for indoor nationals, the only freshman to qualify for that race. He’ll be better than 120th in 2018.

Like the rest of this year’s roster, Cameron Meikle made his NCAA debut last fall, and his respectable 100th place finish showed promise. Meikle went from 73rd place at regionals as a freshman to 14th last year, a jump that shows he could soon join Wilkinson and form a formidable 1-2 punch.

Tris Dodge is the lone senior of the bunch, and a huge spring has set him up to go out with a bang. Dodge didn’t make his 10K debut until this past spring, but he popped off an impressive 30:34 that showed his strength. He’s another guy set to improve from last year.

FULL RANKINGS HERE