October 7, 1998
COLUMBIA, MO. -
The Missouri Cross Country team takes its show on the road this weekend, at perhaps the biggest show of the regular season. Both the men's and women's teams will race in the highly competitive Bob Timmons Invitational in Lawrence, Kan., on Saturday, Oct. 16th. The NCAA Pre-National Invitational boasts a field of 22 teams ranked in the nation's top 30.
"This is a great opportunity for both programs," Coach Jeff Pigg explains, "not only is it the NCAA course, but it is the most high-powered meet in the country."
The mens' field is especially tough with four of the top five teams nationally. The Tigers, currently ranked 5th in the Midwest region and 32nd nationally will get an indication of where they stack up against many other ranked teams.
"We will get a lot out of running against the other teams that think they will be running at Nationals later this year," said Pigg.
After finishing second to Ohio at the Sam Bell Invitational on Sept. 26th, the 16th ranked women are looking to get back on track against many Midwest Region teams.
"We have regrouped and we now know our lineup for the rest of the season. We still believe that we can win the Region," said Pigg.
More information on the meet appears in the sidebar below.
NEWS AND NOTES:
WINDLER REDSHIRTED: Erin Windler, last year's Big XII champion who has missed the first two races recovering from an injury suffered last spring, will be redshirted this year. Coach Pigg said, "We have decided we are going to redshirt Erin. Her health and fitness are progressing very well, but the safest choice is to get her ready for indoor track." Windler will have one year of cross country remaining and has two years of outdoor track remaining. Four other women harriers have received redshirts for the 1998 season. Katie Sekinger, Ashley McCleod, Anna Gullingsrud, and Ashley Wysong will not compete this season.
SNEAK PREVIEW: Saturday's race will be held at Rim Rock Farm, the same course that will hold the NCAA Championships on Nov. 23rd.
Press Box
The Kansas Sports Information staff will have results on the Info Connection fax-on-demand system immediately following the race. Media outlets wishing to receive results before then may access Info Connection at the number below. Access Number: (770) 563-1131 Passcode: 1212 Request Numbers: 2139
For further information, please contact Stephen Garvey of the Missouri Sports Information office: office 330B Hearnes Center (573) 882-7826 home (573) 771-8028 e-mail c666845@showme.missouri.edu This and every release is also available via the Info Connection fax-on-demand system. To access the automated system, dial (770) 399-3066 from your fax machine. The Big 12 Conference passcode is 1212. At the prompt, request document 1755 for cross country information.