RICHARDSON, Texas - The UT Dallas cross country teams will kick off the 2024 campaign at the Gerald Richey UTA Invitational on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. in Arlington, Texas.

Under seventh-year head coach Danielle Kcholi, the Comet men return 14 members from last year's squad that won the American Southwest Conference championship for the fourth time in six seasons. The UTD women bring six runners back from the 2023 team.

Due to the institution's transition to NCAA Division II, the Comets will not compete in the 2024 ASC Championships. UTD will be a member of the Lone Star Conference in 2025.

The Comets have three additional meets currently on the schedule - the Southern Stampede in Joplin, Mo. on September 20, the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Ark. on September 28 and the DBU Old Glory Gallop in Grand Prairie, Texas on October 5. The Comet men are the defending Prairie Fire division champions at the Chile Pepper Festival.

Returning for the UT Dallas men's team are seniors Nathaniel Brim, Mitch Carter, Jayden Chambless, Matthew Chimitt and John Youssef, juniors Christopher Castro, Andy Hamze and Luke Pearson and sophomores Colton Dillard, Frank Douglas, Barak Geary, Erik Grover, Kaleb Jessie and Zach Johnson. They are joined by newcomers Euaiel Aklile, Titouan Gillouard, Nicholas Holland, Prithvij Rajesh, Joseph Trevino and Bryce Williams.

Castro was an All-ASC First Team selection last year after finishing fifth at the championship. He also broke the school record in the 8K in 2023. Douglas was the ASC Freshman of the Year and All-ASC First Team with a seventh place finish in the league meet. Johnson was a Second Team selection by placing 10th. Youssef and Chimitt both finished in the top 18 as well.

The Comet women return seniors Rebeca Betanzo and Sage Herrera, junior Abby Valdez and sophomores Becki Jeffery, Emily Skrabanek and Ellie Suo-Anttila. They are joined by freshmen Lorraine Martineau, Bharvi Varu, Bhavya Varu, Juliana Vela and Grace Youngblood.

Herrera has been an All-ASC First Team runner all three seasons, finishing third a year ago. Betanzo is a two-time All-ASC selection, finishing in sixth place last year. She also holds the program's 5K record. Skrabanek finished 21st at the conference championship.