Tarleton State Men’s Cross Country ranked 13th in South Central Region heading into postseason races

STEPHENVILLE — Tarleton State Men’s Cross Country moved up to 13^th in the USTFCCCA South Central Rankings as the squad prepares for its postseason races beginning next week.

This Friday the Texans posted a 14^th place finish at the Arturo Barrios Invitational in a field of 18 regionally ranked teams across six different regions. Tarleton State finished higher than three regionally ranked programs including New Mexico State, UT Arlington and UTEP. Jace Poole was the highest finisher for the Texans crossing in 72^nd overall.

“I am not surprised at all, to see our men’s cross country team ranked top 13 in the South Central Region,” said head coach Bobby Carter. “These young men have continued to put in the work, and I know that they know there is much more to come. They are just getting started. Coach Zent has done a good job of developing our distance group and getting them prepared for each meet. I look forward to seeing continued progress with our team!”

The Texans opened the season ranked eighth in the region but did not compete as a team in their first event of the year. Tarleton State re-entered the rankings last week at 15 before the Arturo Barrios Invitational. The Texan men placed fourth at the Gerald Richey Invitational, their highest finish this season. The Purple and White experienced the course they will compete in the WAC Championships at as their first full team race of the season. After nearly a month away from competition, the Texans placed 11^th at the Chile Pepper Festival, racing on the same course they will compete on for the NCAA South Central Region Championships.

“We are excited about our ranking and our continued improvement as we approach our conference meet, said distance coach Chris Zent. “The reflects the guys continued hard work this season and it will bode well as we head into conference and regional championships.”


The Texans finished their regular season slate with their fourth race of the year on Friday morning at the Arturo Barrios Invitational. The squad will now look ahead to their first postseason race of the year, the WAC Cross Country Championships on Oct. 31 in Arlington, Texas.