Cross country teams get '08 season underway at Sewanee
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- A veteran women's lineup and a revamped
men's squad will step to the starting line Saturday morning when
the Tennessee Tech cross country teams get the 2008 season underway
at the Sewanee Invitational.
"We are looking forward to getting the season started this
weekend," said coach Tony Cox. "The team has been training hard all
summer and they are ready to go."
Tech will be among the nearly 20 teams expected to compete in the
first race of the year, with the women's 5K event beginning at 10
a.m. and the men's 8K race starting at 11. While Mississippi State
is expected to be the pace-setting team at the meet, Cox is hoping
that Tech will challenge for the top few spots in the final
standings.
The Tech women's team has three proven seniors to lead the way with
Stephanie Place, Keri (Coulthard) Light and Ashley Evans. Place was
the individual winner at Sewanee last year, and Cox expects her to
run near the front of the pack this weekend.
"Stephanie is a veteran runner, and she has had a tremendous
career," said Cox, "but she's not finished. She has worked very
hard and I expect her to have her best year, yet."
The men's team is still young, Cox points out.
"We do not have any seniors this year but the juniors have really
taken on a leadership role and are anxious to get better," Cox
said. "This is a good young team and it will be exciting to see
them race."
Both teams will also feature some newcomers who will
contribute.
"The newcomers to watch are Traci Jones on the women's side, and
Ethan McGroom on the men's side," Cox said. "Both have been
impressive in the early season training and should be in the top
five on the team this weekend."
