By Drew Harris | UTAMavs.com

ARLINGTON, Texas - Following in line with the lofty preseason South Central Region rankings earlier in the week, the UT Arlington men's and women's cross country teams were also predicted to enjoy strong seasons in the Sun Belt Conference preseason coaches' poll announced Friday afternoon.

The men are the favorites to repeat as league champions after registering first-place votes from all 10 schools. The Mavericks garnered a perfect total of 100 points to distance themselves from Appalachian State (89) and South Alabama (72).

With a total of 104 points, the women are picked to finish fourth out of 12 SBC schools. South Alabama (135), Coastal Carolina (132) and Appalachian State (129) were the top three vote getters.

"Year in and year out, the Sun Belt proves that it is a very tough conference," UTA coach John Sauerhage said. "Our men's and women's teams will have to run their absolute best two months from now in order to contend for the league titles. We are definitely looking forward to getting underway."

Both UTA squads begin their seasons a week from Saturday (Sept. 10) when the Mavericks host the Gerald Richey Invitational at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie. Race time is set for 8 a.m. Admission is free, while parking is $10 per vehicle.

The Sun Belt Conference Championships will be contested Saturday, Oct. 29 in Troy, Ala. The men have won league titles in three of the past four years (including twice in three seasons in the Sun Belt). Meanwhile, the women claimed the SBC crown in 2014 and placed third in 2015.

2016 Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll (First Place Votes)
1. UT Arlington (10) - 100 points
2. Appalachian State - 89 points
3. South Alabama - 72 points
4. UL Lafayette - 68 points
5. Texas State - 60 points
6. Arkansas State - 49 points
7. Little Rock - 37 points
8. Coastal Carolina - 31 points
9. UL Monroe - 27 points
10. Troy - 17 points

2016 Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll (First Place Votes)
1. South Alabama (5) - 135 points
2. Coastal Carolina (4) - 132 points
3. Appalachian State (3) - 129 points
4. UT Arlington - 104 points
5. Georgia State - 93 points
6. Arkansas State - 70 points
7. Georgia Southern - 65 points
8. Little Rock - 57 points
9. Texas State - 50 points
10. UL Lafayette - 44 points
11. Troy - 44 points
12. UL Monroe - 13 points