STEPHENVILLE - The Tarleton men's and women's cross country teams will begin the 2008 season ranked in the top 10 of the south central region. Both teams were ranked eighth in each of their respective polls, according to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association preseason poll that was released on Tuesday.

In the women's poll, Abilene Christian topped the poll with Missouri Southern State and Pittsburg State completing the top three. Dallas Baptist, Southwest Baptist, Fort Hays State and Central Missouri finished out the top seven just ahead of the TexAnns. East Central and Northwest Missouri State rounded out the poll.

ACU grabbed preseason nods in the men's poll while Missouri Southern State and Pittsburg State completed the men's top three rankings as well. Finishing just ahead of the Texans were Southwest Baptist, Emporia State, East Central and Fort Hays State. Central Missouri and Truman will begin the season ranked nine and ten.

Both Tarleton teams will begin the 2008 season on Friday, Aug. 29, competing in the Baylor Bear Twilight Invitational. The women are set to begin at 6:30 on Friday evening with the men to follow approximately 30 minutes later.