Nov. 13, 2002

The University of Missouri cross country teams will head to Normal, Illinois this weekend to compete in the NCAA Cross Country Midwest Regionals. The women's team is ranked 13th nationally and ranked first in the Midwest region. The top two teams at the regionals qualify for the NCAA Championships to be held later this month. Missouri cross country head coach Jared Wilmes said, "On the women's side we're very excited and we are in a very good position to make it to nationals. But, we have to go out and run that day, we are taking nothing for granted. There are a lot of good teams in our region and we have to focus on doing our job which is making it to nationals." The Tigers have been paced by Valerie Lauver and Amanda Bales, two freshmen, this season that have combined for eight top 10 finishes. The women finished second at their last outing, the Big 12 Cross Country Championships.

On the men's side the Tigers look to improve on a ninth place finish at the Big 12 Championships two weeks ago. Coach Wilmes said, "We're going to go out there and have a great race. Individually, everyone has to do their part to be successful." The top two teams from each region and the top four individuals qualify for the NCAA Championships to be held November 25th in Terre Haute, Indiana.