For the men, High Point was picked as the preseason favorite for the third consecutive year winning 15 of the 18 first place votes and 158 points total. The Panthers won the 2002 and 2003 League titles. Liberty came in second with a total of 135 points and one first-place vote, while Coastal Carolina University was picked third with two first-place votes and 133 points. UNC Asheville took fourth with 103 points and rounding out the poll was VMI (57), Birmingham-Southern (49) and Charleston Southern (31).
On the women's side, Coastal Carolina University will be looking to win their fourth consecutive League title as they were selected to finish first in the Big South Conference preseason poll. The Lady Chanticleers collected all 18 first place votes and 162 points overall. UNC Ashville claimed second with 128 points, while Liberty was picked third totaling 126 points. High Point University took fourth with 115 points followed by Winthrop in fifth with 82 votes. Birmingham-Southern (67), Charleston Southern (34) and Virginia Military Institute (30) rounded out the tally.
The 2004 Men's and Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll is voted on by the Conference's Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors. The Highlanders will open up their 2004 season at home on Sept. 3 as they host a dual meet with VMI at 6 p.m.