Aug. 2, 2008

RICHARDSON, Texas - The West Texas A&M men's cross country team was picked eighth in the recently released Lone Star Conference's preseason poll.

Abilene Christian were unanimous favorites to repeat as LSC champions, taking all 18 first-place votes on ballots cast by the league's head coaches, sports information directors and various media representatives.

ACU accumulated a total of 162 points to outdistance second-place East Central, which received 117 points. Tarleton State was just behind in third, with 116 points, followed by fourth-place Cameron (93), with Texas A&M-Commerce (91) fifth. Angelo State (76), Eastern New Mexico (74), West Texas A&M (50) and Texas A&M-Kingsville were sixth through ninth, respectively.

The nine men's teams begin their season in late August-early September as they prepare for the LSC Championships, hosted by Texas A&M-Kingsville on October 25, 2008. Head coach Paul Sweetgall's Buffs' open the season August 29, when they host the Buffalo Stampede.

2008 LSC Preseason Poll: 1-Abilene Christian (18 first place votes) 162, 2-East Central 117, 3-Tarleton State 116, 4-Cameron 93, 5-Texas A&M-Commerce 91, 6-Angelo State 76, 7-Eastern New Mexico 74, 8-West Texas A&M 50, 9-Texas A&M-Kingsville 31.