The Brigham Young University (BYU) men's and women's cross-country teams, both ranked No. 3 in the nation, are gearing up to compete in the NCAA Mountain Regional Cross-Country Championships on Friday in Lubbock, Texas. The teams have shown remarkable strength throughout the season, and their performances in the regional competition will determine their path to the NCAA championships.

Like other top programs, the Cougars are expected to strategically rest two or three of their top runners in preparation for the NCAA championships, scheduled just eight days later. While the top two teams in each regional competition secure automatic advancement to the NCAA championships, 13 at-large schools will be chosen based on their season performance.

The BYU men's team has enjoyed notable successes this season, including a second-place finish in the pre-national meet in Wisconsin. In the past six years, they have consistently ranked in the top three in the NCAA championships, even clinching first place in 2019. Their formidable lineup, led by exceptional distance runner Joey Nokes, has set the stage for a promising performance in the upcoming regional competition.

On the women's side, BYU's team has been dominant this season, triumphing in all four of their competitions, including the Bill Dellinger Invitational in Oregon. The women's team also holds the distinction of winning the 2021 NCAA team championship and securing a second-place finish in 2020. Notably, they have produced three individual champions in the last three years, including Conner Mantz (twice) and Whittni Orton.

In their most recent endeavor, both the men's and women's teams competed in the Big 12 championships. The men secured a commendable second-place finish, while the women achieved BYU's first Big 12 championship title. Standout performers in the Big 12 meet included Creed Thompson, Joey Nokes, and James Corrigan for the men's team, along with Lexy Halladay-Lowry, Jenna Hutchins, and Carmen Alder for the women's team.

The Mountain Regional Cross-Country Championships will welcome six ranked women's teams and five ranked men's teams, highlighting the level of competition the BYU teams will face. With nine regions in total, this regional meet is crucial in determining the teams that will advance to the NCAA championships.

Notably, there will be four women's teams from Utah participating in the regional competition: BYU, Utah, Utah Valley University (UVU), and Utah State. UVU, having clinched the Western Athletic Conference championship, boasts a strong lineup featuring Ari Trimble, Morgan Nokes, Anna Martin, Lydia Beus, and Abbie Fuhriman. The University of Utah, which secured fifth place in the Pac 12 championships, will rely on McKaylie Caesar, Katarzyna Nowakowska, Annastasia Peters, and Morgan Jensen.

As the NCAA Mountain Regional Cross-Country Championships draw near, all eyes will be on the BYU men's and women's teams, poised to uphold their No. 3 national rankings and secure a spot in the NCAA championships. The dedication and talent showcased by these athletes throughout the season bode well for their chances of continued success on the regional and national stages.