WACO, Texas – Texas Cross Country senior Marielle Hall repeated as regional champion and the Longhorn men placed second as a team to punch their tickets to the NCAA Championships at the NCAA South Central Region meet on Friday morning at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course. 

After taking home the Big 12 crown two weeks ago on the same 6,000-meter course, Hall cruised to a comfortable lead from the gun and crossed in 19 minutes, 40.7 seconds, 24 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.  It was the second straight regional title for the senior, who became the first Longhorn win the meet at the 2012 edition. 

"Marielle stepped it up again today. She's really buying into the idea that she's one of the best in the country," coach Brad Herbster said. "It's exciting to see a girl like Marielle, who works so hard, be able to win these races.  Marielle does everything by the book.  She's consistent, and consistency in this sport is king, and she really proved her confidence today."