11/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
By Drew Harris | UTAMavs.com
ARLINGTON, Texas - UT Arlington's regionally-ranked men's and women's cross country teams will head to College Station, Texas, on Friday morning to compete in the 2015 NCAA South Central Regional Cross Country Championships.
The men, ranked seventh in the South Central Region by the USTFCCCA, are fresh off a Sun Belt Conference title two weeks ago, the squad's third crown in the past four years. The women, listed 11th in the regional poll, placed third at the SBC Championships.
At the regional meet, the top two teams and top four finishers not on one of the qualifying teams will earn spots in the NCAA Championships in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, Nov. 21. At last year's regional in Fayetteville, Ark., the men placed sixth while the women took 11th.
Leading the way for the men is senior Eric Ojeda, the SBC individual champion and first-team all-conference performer. He has plenty of help, however. Freshman Christopher Myers (eighth) and junior Grant Copeland (10th) each were second-team selections, while sophomore Tyler Forde (15th) was named to the third team.
In addition, sophomore Michael Guerrero, who paced the team at four meets this year, figures to return to the lineup after missing the league championships due to injury.
"The guys have a shot at the highest team finish we've had in a long time," UTA coach John Sauerhage said. "We are motivated after winning conference, and we'd really like to improve on our finish from last year. Individually, Eric and Michael both have chances to qualify for the NCAA Championships."
Seniors Gabriela Alfonzo and Katelyn Hayward lead the UTA women. Alfonzo was a first-team all-SBC choice after placing fourth at the league meet, while Hayward earned second-team mention by finishing eighth.
"Both Gabriela and Katelyn have opportunities to earn all-region honors," Sauerhage said. "And if you can do that, you have a chance to reach the NCAAs as individuals. As a team, we are looking to finish the season strong and get our young runners some great experience for the future."
The women's 6k race at Texas A&M's Dale Watts Cross Country Course will begin at 10 a.m. (CT), while the men will start their 10k run at 11 a.m. The meet central page, which includes live results, is located at 12thman.com.
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