FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The UT Arlington cross country team returns to the course on Friday evening as they will compete in the 34th Annual Chile Pepper Festival at Agri Park on the campus of the University of Arkansas. 

"This is our first big meet of the season and we are looking to test ourselves," said Head Coach John Sauerhage. "This should be a great event against some top national and regional competition."

On the men's side, the Mavericks, ranked No. 14 in the South Central Region, will look to carry the momentum they have built in the first two weeks as they hold a pair of first place finishes. 

It's been a mix of young talent and tremendous experience that has guided the Mavericks thus far. Sophomore Alfredo Reina Corona is off to an incredible start, winning the individual title at the season opener and following that with a third-place finish and a massive PR in the 8k in his last race at SFA.

Junior Patrick Estes, sophomore Jeriel Algarin-Marquez, and sophomore Jackson Cichon have all been terrific so far this season along with freshmen Rogelio Aguirre, Brian Guevara, Andrés Gurrola, and Josue Granados. 

Tulsa, ranked No. 5 in the nation, and Arkansas, ranked No. 16, highlights a loaded field. Division I schools competing include Abilene Christian, Arkansas State, Central Arkansas, Houston, Kansas State, Little Rock, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Sam Houston State, SFA, and ULM.

On the women's side, a young squad looks to continue to improve as Claire Compher, Rachael Hartley, Scarlett Johnson, Krianne McBride, and Lauren Walls-Portillo all saw PRs in their 5k run their last time out.

Division I teams scheduled to compete in the 4:30 p.m. race at the Chile Pepper Festival include No. 13 Arkansas, Abilene Christian, Arkansas State, Central Arkansas, Houston, Kansas State, Little Rock, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Oral Roberts, SFA, Southern Miss, Tulsa, and ULM.