Aug. 29, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri cross country team will open its 2001 season Saturday, Sept. 1 at the J.K. Gold Classic hosted by Wichita State University. Big 12 opponents Oklahoma State and Kansas State will also compete in the meet.

"We just want to get a good opener in," head cross country coach Jared Wilmes said. "We're looking for Saturday's race to help us two months from now."

Both the men's and women's squads are coming off the best seasons in five years. Last fall the women placed 16th at the NCAA Championships and the men finished 27th. It was the third consecutive trip to nationals for the men and the sixth consecutive appearance for the women.

The women return four harriers from last season's squad that went to nationals. Ann Marie Brooks will be the top returnee for the women this season, at the NCAA meet Brooks (21:52.40) finished in 86th place.

The men lost Nick Smith and Phil Councilor, who were the top two finishers at the NCAA Championships for the Tigers. Mike Pitts returns after going to nationals last season and is expected to be the strongest runner for the men in 2001. The season-opener, however, will feature more of the younger team members and fewer veterans.

With a total of 15 newcomers between the men's and women's squads, the J.K. Gold Classic will help the freshman class get over some early-season jitters.

"We want to get them into a Missouri uniform," assistant coach Rebecca Wilmes said. "We want to get a meet under our freshmen's belt."

The Tigers will return home for their next and only home meet of the season, the Missouri Challenge, on Sept. 15.