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1. Colorado (1st 2003) Colorado is undefeated in Big XII action. Since the inception of the Big XII they are undefeated. They bring back 8 from 2003 Big XII championship team. They bring in one of the best distance classes in the nation with 3 Footlocker finalist. To add depth to there squad they have a Junior X-C National Champion. This team is loaded. They lose defending National Champion Dathan Ritzenhein. Colorado is known to be plagued by injuries but this team has talent and depth. They are the favorites to win in 2004.
2. Texas (6th 2003) Texas has a strong team this year. They bring back 7 runners from last years 6th place squad. They lose their #1 Paul Morrison. They have a great recruiting class which includes 2 Footlocker Finalist and also bring 2 athletes who did not compete for UT last year in the Big XII championship but could of been in UT's top 5 last year. They have a good mix of experience and youth. The problem of late is putting it all together for the big meets. I think they will this year and are a threat to win the title.
3. Oklahoma State (2nd 2003) The Cowboys lose their 1-2 punch. They return 6 from last years 2nd place squad. They have some great additions to the team this year that makes the team strong. Coach Weis always finds a way to get the boys running when it counts. They will battle Colorado and Texas for the Big 12 title.
4. Missouri (8th 2003) Missouri has a strong team off upperclassmen this year. They did not lose anyone from there 2003 Big XII squad. Chase Hall had an uncharacteristic bad meet last year when he was consistency #2 guy on the team. The return of All-Midwest Region runner Ryan Hampton will give the Tigers their frontrunner to go with Tim Ross. Look for Missouri to improve on the 8th place finish in 2003.
5. Kansas (4th 2003) Kansas is just as strong as last year. They lost 2 of their runners but they were not top 7 guys. They bring in a great prep from Nebraska in Colby Wissel. This team is better than last year but the 4 teams ahead of them got a whole lot better. Kansas will make a push for a qualifying position in the Midwest Region in 2004.
6. Texas A&M (3rd 2003) Texas A&M had a terrific season in 2003. It will be tough for the Aggies to repeat their performance. They lose 3 important parts to their machine. They have a deep team and a great recruit coming in but will it be enough to put them at the top of the Big 12? The Aggies most important loss came at Coaching. They lose Dave Hartmann and a new regime moves into College Station headed by legendary LSU coach Pat Henry.
7. Baylor (5th 2003) Baylor did outstanding last year scoring only 5 runners. They lose two of there best in Chance and King. They bring back a solid group and with at least 4-5 others who are ready to step in and contribute this team looks to a year away. Coach Harbour has done a great job with these boys so don't count out another top 5 finish in the Big XII.
8. Texas Tech (10th 2003) The Red Raiders are coming off a disappointing 2003 season. They bring in two great runners in Lagat and Wensrich. They should immediately be leaders on the team. The red raiders are not deep when it comes to talent so if anyone is injured or has a bad race at the Big XII conference meet they could place anywhere from 8-12,
9. Nebraska (12th 2003) The Huskers are coming off a disappointing 12th place finish in 2003. They only lose one runner and bring back everyone else. This team was young last year and will do better this year. They bring back 5 Sophomores who will make a difference on their team. They bring back two SR's who red-shirted 2003. These two will be a good 1-2 punch for their team.
10. Kansas State (9th 2003) Kansas State brings back everyone but one runner from last years 9th place finish. As far as I know they did not bring in any impact runners to improve the squad from 2003. Matthew Chesang will be a dominant runner as he was in 2003 though.
11. Iowa State (11th 2003) The Cyclones only lose 1 runner from their 2003 11th place. They add two Kenyans to the roster with standout Dan Taylor. That makes a good 1-3 but after that the cyclones are questionable. Anything can happen the Big XII but it looks like another year in the cellar.
12. Oklahoma (7th 2003) The Sooners had a great season last year. They stumbled a bit but still placed highest ever in the Big XII in 2003. They lose 4 of their top guns. Hussein will be a factor in the big XII but after that Oklahoma is short on talent. They did not bring in any big recruits so that leaves the Sooners in trouble for 2004.
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