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1. Stephen F Austin (1st 2003) Stephen F Austin had a great team last year. They were only 5 points away from placing 2nd in the South Central Region which would have gotten them a ticket to the NCAA's. They lose 3 of their top guns to graduation. They have a very deep team. They won't be as good as last year but they have enough talent to repeat as Southland Conference Champions.
2. Sam Houston State (2nd 2003) Sam Houston lose two great runners. They do bring back 5 of their runners. They will definitely compete for the Southland Conference title in 2004. They bring two good prep runners who really should add to their team. Dustin has a 9:27 3200 personal best and Reese is 2A State 800/1600 winner. (1:55/4:26)
3. Texas State (8th 2003) 2003 marked the end of one of the best runners in Texas State history. Former prep standout Randy Arias graduated. This team had a disappointing 8th place finish at the Southland Conference Meet. They bring back 6 runners who competed in the conference race last year. James Ortiz and Robert Tyler are coming off their best track season to date. They have great transfers that will step in an help the team immediately. The 2004 version of the Bobcats will be better than 2003.
4. University of Texas-San Antonio (7th 2003) The roadrunners lose their #1 guy in Maruping from a 7th place team in 2003. They bring back a young squad this year with no seniors. They bring in the best recruiting class in the conference. Jaziel has run 9:29, Nick has 9:26 and Michael Schwartz who ran very well for Keller in Cross Country. They should make an immediate impact on the Southland Conference.
5. McNeese State (3rd 2003) McNesse State lose their number 1 and 5. They return the bulk of their team that placed 3rd in 2003. McNeese roster is full of foreign athletes and with the departure of Kris that leaves some money open for more depth on the team.
6. University of Texas-Arlington (5th 2003) UTA loses 3 of their top 7 from a 5th place in 2003. They do bring in a good recruiting class that should add depth and quality to the existing team. All five recruits have the ability to make the top 7 for the Mavericks. That brings up the problem with experience. This team is fairly young and are probably a year away from challenging tor top of the conference honors. They are going in the right direction.
7. Lamar (6th 2003) Lamar brings back everyone from 2003. They are still young with no seniors. I do not know what recruits they are bringing in so on their strength of this team they should place similar to last year.
8. University of Monroe-Louisiana (4th 2003) 9. Northwestern State University (9th 2003) 10. Southeastern Louisiana University (10th 2003) 11. Nichols State (11th 2003) |