Cross Country
The University of Tampa’s women’s cross country team was ranked first by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association in its preseason regional cross country rakings for Division II. The men’s team was given a preseason ranking of No. 4.
Last season, The Spartan women finished in 10th place at NCAA Championships in Evansville, Indiana after claming their third straight NCAA South Region title.
Cross Country will begin their 2010 season by hosting the UT Early Bird Classic on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. at Dover Trails.
Men’s Soccer
In the 2010 Sunshine State Conference Preseason Poll, the UT men’s soccer team was given a third place ranking, tied with Rollins College.
Barry University, last year’s SSC champions, are ranked first in the poll.
The Spartans will kick off their season on Sept. 3 at 4:30 p.m. as they face the University of Montevallo Falcons in Columbus, GA.
UT Hall of Fame
Nine former student-athletes and two others were named to UT’s Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2010.
Former UT athletes include Chris Sullivan and Ginger Lynn of soccer, Charles Andrews of basketball, Donna Howe and Cindy Jones of swimming, Dean Kelley and Rodd Kelley of baseball, April Lindsey of basketball and Allison Mascas of cross country.
Anthony Borrell and Chuck Winship will be inducted as well for their contributions to UT athletics.
Baseball
Former Spartans pitcher Roberto Martinez was a contestant on this summer’s season of ABC’s The Bachelorette.
Martinez brought bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky to his hometown of Tampa and played baseball with her on UT’s own baseball field.