ARLINGTON, Texas - Following fine showings at the Pre-National Invitational on Saturday, the UT Arlington men's cross country team rose two spots in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Regional Team Rankings to fifth in the South Central Regional, while the women remained ninth in the standings.

The men's squad now trails only Arkansas, Texas, Lamar and Texas A&M in the South Central. The defending league champion Mavericks continue to be the highest rated team in the Sun Belt. Other regionally ranked SBC schools include: South Alabama (9th, South), Appalachian State (12th, Southeast) and UL Lafayette (13th, South Central).

Despite holding steady at No. 9, the women are now the highest rated squad in the Sun Belt, surpassing Arkansas State, which fell to 10th in the South Central. UALR (11th, South Central) and Appalachian State (15th, Southeast) are also listed in the latest rankings.

"Going to Pre-Nats was a really good experience for us," UTA coach John Sauerhage said. "Both teams proved that they are now ready to run at the conference meet, and we are looking forward to strong showings there."

The Sun Belt Conference Championships will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2, in Mobile, Ala. The NCAA South Central Regional is set for Friday, Nov. 14, in Fayetteville, Ark.