The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Texas A&M Invitational
Cross Country heads to A&M Invitational
09.24.2015 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Women's team ready to run as rank team for first time since 2013
Live Results | Twitter: Texas |
AUSTIN, Texas – On Saturday morning Texas Cross Country will get to see where it stands in the region at the Texas A&M Invitational. The Longhorns will face a number of teams from the NCAA South Central Region on the Dale Watts Cross Country Course in College Station.
The men will run 8,000 meters, the distance they will run at the conference championship meet later this season. The women's race will be the championship distance of 6,000 meters, doubling their run from the season opener.
Heading into the race this weekend, the Texas women are ranked No. 27 in the latest USTFCCCA Coaches Poll. It is the first time since midway through the 2013 season the women's team is ranked. The men are receiving votes in the poll.
Coach Brad Herbster said he is happy to see his women's team getting some early season recognition but believes the Longhorns will have a target on their backs more so because of who they are rather than what they are expected to do this weekend.
"The ranking is fun. It's great for recruiting, but at the end of the day I think you represent Texas, which is even more important than that ranking," Herbster said. "Teams always want to beat you just because you are at the University of Texas, so I don't think the ranking really makes a difference in that.
"I think Texas has always set the standard for any sport whether it's cross country, track, volleyball or football. I think people really get up to try to beat Texas. I've told them everybody's gunning for them, and rightfully so because clearly I think they're the two best teams in the field for the men and the women."
Texas had dominant performances from the men and women at the Texas Invitational to open the season three weeks ago. Both teams posted perfect scores against Texas State in a dual format. This weekend's race will be the first since those victories. Sophomore Connor Hendrickson was named Big 12 Runner of the Week for his win.
Fans can keep up with the action on social media with periodic updates on the team's Twitter feed, @UTexasTrack. Live results also will be provided online at FlashResults.com. Following the women's collegiate race the A&M Invitational will host high school varsity and junior varsity races.
The Watts course is located at 3242 F and B Road at the Hildebrand Equine Complex. The facility can be accessed from F and B Road off the intersection with FM 2818.
Players Mentioned
