CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's cross country team was picked to win the 2010 Mid-American Conference championship as voted on by the league's head coaches.

EMU finished second at last year's championships with a total of 55 points. The Eagles will return senior captain Matt Hammersmith (Wolcottville, Mich.-Prairie Heights) and sophomore James Hughes (Manchester, Mich.-Manchester) this season as they look to replace 2009 first team All-MAC honoree Curtis Vollmar. Hughes earned second team All-MAC after finishing ninth at last year's championship (26:12.6), while Hammersmith earned second team All-MAC honors, as his time of 26:18.6 was good for 10th place.

Kent State was picked to finish second behind the Green and White after bringing home the 2009 title. The Golden Flashes were followed by Miami and Central Michigan, while Akron and Toledo rounded out the top six spots. Buffalo, Ohio and Bowling Green completed the poll.

The 2010 Mid-American Conference Cross Country Championships, hosted by Western Michigan, will be held Saturday, Oct. 30.

2010 Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll

1. Eastern Michigan
2. Kent State
3. Miami
4. Central Michigan
5. Akron
6. Toledo
7. Buffalo
8. Ohio
9. Bowling Green