Canyon, Texas. – West Texas A&M Men's and Women's Cross Country were both ranked No. 8 in the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Preseason Poll as announced by the organization Tuesday afternoon. This is the fourth straight season where both programs have been ranked to start the season.
 
On the Men's side, reigning National Champion Wingate took the top spot and were followed by Colorado School of Mines, Adams State, Grand Valley State, and Western Colorado to round out the top five. West Texas A&M accumulated 184 points to sit in eighth place. This is the sixth straight season where the Buffs begin the year ranked and fourth straight season ranked inside the top 10. This is tied for the second highest ranking to begin the season after also starting 2025 ranked No. 8.
 
In the South Central Region, WT was the fourth highest ranked team with No. 2 Colorado School of Mines, No. 3 Adams State, and No. 5 Western Colorado all ahead of them. The other teams ranked from the South Central Region include No. 12 Colorado Christian, No. 14 Fort Lewis, No. 16 UC-Colorado Springs, No. 29 CSU Pueblo, and RV Colorado Mesa.
 
The Buffs were the only Lone Star Conference (LSC) team ranked.
 
On the Women's side, reigning National Champion Grand Valley State claimed the top spot with Adams State, Wingate, Colorado School of Mines, and Western Colorado also in the top five. The Lady Buffs compiled 184 points to slot in at No. 8. This is the fifth straight season where WT has began the year ranked and second straight season beginning in the top 10. This is their second highest ranking to begin the season after claiming the No. 2 spot to start 2025.
 
In the South Central Region, West Texas A&M was the fifth highest team trailing No. 2 Adams State, No. 4 Colorado School of Mines, No. 5 Western Colorado, and No. 7 UC-Colorado Springs. Five other teams from the region were ranked including No. 13 Colorado Mesa, No. 15 CSU Pueblo, No. 17 Fort Lewis, No. 20 DBU, and RV Colorado Christian.
 
The Lady Buffs and DBU were the two LSC teams ranked.
 
WT was one of seven teams to have both their Men's and Women's program ranked inside the top 10. Wingate, Colorado School of Mines, Adams State, Grand Valley State, Chico State, and Western Colorado also had both programs ranked top 10.
 
The Buffs and Lady Buffs were both projected first in the LSC Preseason Poll last week. 2025's LSC Newcomer of the Year Tommaso Toppi and sophomore transfer Vivien Delin from Wingate were named the Runners to Watch for the Men. 2024 and 2025 All-American Naomi Addo and 2025 All-American Abigail Abugire were the two Runners to Watch for the Women.
 
West Texas A&M is set to begin their season on Friday, September 18 as they compete in the Texas Tech Open.
 
For all the latest on West Texas A&M Cross Country, stay tuned to gobuffsgo.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.