Sept. 6, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri cross country teams will hold their media day for the 2001 season next Thursday, Sept. 13 from 3:00-3:45 p.m. in the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse. The event will occur less than 48 hours before the Tigers' only home meet of the season, the Missouri Challenge, held at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course on Saturday, Sept. 15.

The 2000 season was the best in five years for the cross country teams. Both the men and women competed at the NCAA Championships again, with the women finishing in 16th place and the men placing 26th. The appearance at the NCAA meet was the sixth consecutive for the women and the third consecutive appearance for the men.

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. Senior Mike Pitts returns after going to nationals last season and is expected to be the strongest runner for the men in 2001.

Both teams got a good start to the 2001 season at the J.K. Gold Classic held at Wichita State University Sept. 1. The women placed second out of seven teams and the men's team finished third out of nine teams.

Coach Jared Wilmes, assistant coach Rebecca Wilmes and several runners from both the men's and women's teams will be available for interviews. Parties interested in talking to the coaches and players should contact Megan Watson in the University of Missouri Media Relations office at 884-9486 before 5 p.m. on Sept. 12.