March 25, 2014

NEW ORLEANS –
The South Carolina women’s track and field team is 20th in the Preseason U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Team Computer Rankings released Tuesday.

The ranking is the highest since the 2010 squad reached 19th twice during the season and the highest preseason spot since 2009 (17th). Last year, the Gamecocks were ranked as high as 22nd.

The women return six NCAA individual qualifiers as well as several integral relay members from last season’s squad. South Carolina ultimately finished 45th at the 2013 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore.

The national team rankings are complied by mathematical formulae based on national descending order lists and data taken from previous seasons. For the preseason ranking and early-season rankings, data will be taken from previous seasons as well as the current season.

The purpose and methodology of the rankings is to create an index that showcases the teams that have the best potential of achieving the top spots in the national team race. Rankings points do not equate with NCAA Championships team points.

This weekend, South Carolina hosts the Weems Baskin Invitational on Friday and Saturday, at the Weems Baskin Track.

2014 Preseason – March 25, 2014
Next Ranking: April 8
1. Texas A&M 390.30
2. Oregon 278.91
3. Texas 272.81
4. Florida 268.84
5. Kentucky 207.44
6. Georgia 170.48
7. Southern California 160.30
8. LSU 152.06
9. Arizona 151.40
10. Kansas 151.25
11. San Diego State 137.19
12. Florida State 130.86
13. UCLA 129.00
14. Arkansas 128.40
15. Stanford 125.40
16. Texas Tech 109.48
17. Penn State 107.90
18. Notre Dame 105.11
19. Washington 104.83
20. South Carolina 102.28
21. Arizona State 92.72
22. Providence 90.12
23. UCF 87.37
24. Connecticut 78.17
25. Baylor 77.09