CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas men’s and women’s cross country are gearing up for Friday’s Southland Conference Championships at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.

    The men’s 8-kilometer race begins at 9 a.m. at Tyrell Park, followed by the women’s 6-kilometer race at 10 a.m.

    On the men’s side, UCA’s top runners include junior Amos Gerber of Hot Springs, sophomore Connor Ryan from Belleville, Ill., and freshmen Edward Limo and Corentin Louis. Limo and Gerber finished 1-2 at the Islander Splash last month. Limo has two Top 20 finishes this season and Gerber has four. Connor and Louis have also finished in the Top 20 twice this fall.

    For the women, sophomore Stephanie Simpson of Chicago has two Top 10 finishes and three in the Top 20 this season, including a best of fifth at the Islander Splash, where UCA was second as a team. Junior Kayla Nehus from Little Rock has two Top 10 finishes, with a best of 9th at the Islander Splash. Senior Courtney Efurd of Rogers was in the Top 20 three times this season.