MARSHALL, Texas – As the reigning American Southwest Conference Women's Cross Country Champions, East Texas Baptist University is the favorite to win in 2026. ETBU returns eight runners from that team and has two on the ASC Runners to Watch List.
 
ETBU received eight first-place votes and 46 points, as Mary Hardin-Baylor is second with 37 points and one first-place vote. They are followed by Hardin-Simmons (24), McMurry (23), and Schreiner (20).
 
On the ASC Runners to Watch List are senior Danna Requena and freshman Sadie Loftis. Requena made the All-ASC First-Team last year and came in third place at the championship. Loftis was a 3A UIL State Cross Country Meet qualifier last fall.
 
ETBU opens the 2026 season at the Texas Tyler meet on Saturday, September 5. They will run at the Texas Rose Hors Park at 8:45 a.m.