Oct. 16, 2003
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COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri cross country teams will run in the annual NCAA Pre-National race on Saturday in Waterloo, Iowa. The University of Northern Iowa will play host to over 140 Division I men's and women's cross country teams at this year's preview to the NCAA Championships to be held in the same location, Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course in Waterloo, Iowa, in late November. The fields for both the men's and women's race are split between a purple and gold race, placing around 35 teams per race.
Coming into the meet ranked No. 21 in the FinishLynx Coaches' Poll, the women's team is coming off a ninth place finish at the Roy Griak Invitational where sophomore Amanda Bales finished 13th, better than any other Big 12 runner and was named Big 12 Runner of the Week for the second time this season as a result. The field in the Pre-National is tough as always and the gold race in which the Mizzou women will run features 11 teams in the Top 30, four from the Big 12, and three from the Midwest region. No. 2 Stanford looks to be the favorite, but will be challenged by two others from the Top 10, No. 6 North Carolina State and No. 7 Colorado.
The men's field in the purple race seems to be more challenging for the Tigers, 11 teams from the Top 30 and an additional 7 receiving votes will join the Tigers in the 37 team race. More importantly for Mizzou will be the seven teams in the Midwest region in the competition.
"Gaining wins against teams within your region is one of the most important things for us to focus on," said Jared Wilmes, Head Cross Country Coach. "If you can gain wins amongst those in your region, you're setting yourself up for a possible spot in the NCAA Championships."
The men's biggest challenge within the region will come from Minnesota, who is receiving votes in this week's MONDO Coaches' Poll.
At the conclusion of the NCAA Pre-Nationals, the cross country regular season for the Tigers will be complete and the championship season will soon begin. Halloween, Friday, October 31st, will be the date of this year's Big 12 Cross Country Championships.
For complete coverage of the Mizzou cross country teams, visit www.mutigers.com.