South Plains can expect a challenge from El Paso Community College, currently ranked fourth.

On the women's side, the Lady Texans are currently the No. 12-ranked team in the NJCAA, trailing second-ranked El Paso and No. 6-ranked New Mexico JC.

The Thunderbirds of New Mexico JC are the hosts of the Region 5 Championship meet, which is being contested at Harry McAdams Park in Hobbs.  The women's 5000-meter race will begin at 10 a.m. with the men following with an 8000-meter race at 11 a.m.

Two weeks following the Region 5 Championships, South Plains College and the City of Lubbock will host the NJCAA National Cross Country championship meet at Shadow Hills Golf Course.

NJCAA Men's Polls

1. South Plains College
2. Iowa Central CC
3. Central Arizona College
4. El Paso CC
5. Lansing CC
6. Allen County CC
7. Colby CC
8. Highland CC
9. Iowa Western CC
10. Pima CC
11. North Iowa Area CC
12. Butler CC
13. Gillette College
14. Pratt CC
15. Paradise Valley CC

NJCAA Women's Polls

1. Iowa Central CC
2. El Paso CC
3. Central Arizona College
4. Lansing CC
5. Pima CC
6. New Mexico JC
7. Dodge City CC
8. Butler CC
9. Pratt CC
10. Gillette College
11. Iowa Western CC
12. South Plains College
13. Macomb CC
14. Paradise Valley CC
15. Cuyahoga CC