Sept. 28, 1999
Indiana Here Comes Missouri
The University of Missouri cross country teams are headed to the Hoosier state to compete at the Addais Notre Dame Invitational on Friday, October 1. The competition begins at 2:45 with the men's 8K gold division followed by the women's open 5K race at 3:30 and the women's 5K championship race at 4:15. The invitational will conclude with the men's 8K blue division at 5:00. Both the men's and women's races will feature teams currently ranked in the top-25.
In the Polls
The second Cross Country Coaches Association of America poll was released today (Sept. 28) and the Missouri women jumped up five places. As the team heads to the Notre Dame Invitational this weekend, they will be carrying a No. 13 national ranking. (Points) 1. Stanford (298) 2. Arkansas (290) 3. Arizona State (274) 4. BYU (262) 5. Wisconsin (240) 6. Colorado (234) 7. Georgetown (232) 8. Kansas State (200) 9. Villanova (199) 10. Washington (198) 11. North Carolina St. (195) 12. Minnesota (167) 13. MISSOURI (145) 14. Notre Dame (128) 15. Nebraska (122) 16. Arizona (113) 17. North Carolina (104) 18. UCLA (95) 19. Northern Arizona (64) 20. Florida (58) 21. William & Mary (55) 22. James Madison (52) 23. Wake Forest (42) 24. Texas (38) 25. Duke (35)
MU Preforms Well Against Tough Competition
The Missouri men's and women's cross country teams both turned in top-10 team performances at the Roy Griake Invitational that featured numerous teams ranked in the nation's top-30 by the Cross Country Coaches Association of America as well as three other conference opponents. Missouri head coach Jeff Pigg was pleased with his team's overall performance. "We set our sights on the end of the season," said Pigg. "We are so far ahead of where we were at this time last year. We will get the job done when it counts. I feel very confident with where we are at this point in our training this season"
Another Opportunity for Tigers on Friday
Missouri is not backing down from tough competition as the season moves into October. At the Notre Dame Invitational, coach Pigg and the harriers will be able to test themselves against some of the better teams in the country. "Notre Dame gives us the opportunity to run against some great teams," Pigg said. "Racing again this soon is good for the teams. It helps us to get into a rhythm and in good racing mode. The runners are starting to learn their limits, pushing themselves harder than you can in practice. It allows us to start to feel more comfortable during the races." Notre Dame will give both teams a glimpse at some great teams from around the midwest. On the women's side Pigg is excited to race the likes of Oregon and host Notre Dame as well as several other nationally ranked teams. In all there will be a total of 30 teams for the Tigers to race.
Gullingsrud's Homecoming
Senior Anna Gullingsrud returned home to Minnesota this weekend as the team ran in the Roy Griake Invitational. It was Gullingsrud's first meet back in Minnesota after transferring from the University of Minnesota to Missouri following the 1997-98 track and field season. After redshirting the 1998 cross country season as well as the 1999 track and field season, the senior turned in a great performance on Saturday.
"Going back to the school she transferred from was a lot of pressure for her," said Pigg. "She had to run in front of family, coaches and friends which was tough. She ran great. She stuck to the plan and ran a real exciting race.
Gullingsrud finished 21st overall and second on the MU team just behind junior Katie Meyer who placed 19th overall and was the Tigers No. 1 runner.
Newcomers Corner
Newcomer Amy Chipman made her presence felt on the course again stepping up big for the Tigers. Chipman was again the women's No. 3 runner finishing 38th overall in only her second race as a Tiger. "To finish as our third runner two weeks in a row as a freshman, that is awesome," coach Pigg said.