Oct. 11, 2007

Columbia, Mo. - The Tiger cross country team will begin its preparations for the post season this weekend as it heads to Peoria, Ill. to take part in the Bradley Classic on Friday. The course at Newman Golf Course will be the same course featured at this years NCAA Midwest Regional, making this weekend's race important for a young Tiger team.

"This race gives us a great chance to grow and develop as a team," Head Coach Jared Wilmes said. "It is a great opportunity for us as we prepare for Big 12's and the regional meet."

Coming off of impressive performances at the Roy Griak Classic where each team finished 10th overall, the Tigers will once again race its top runners for the men and women. Dan Hedgecock (St. Louis, Mo.), Garrett Jeffries (Clarkson Valley, Mo.) and Billy Bell (Chesterfield, Mo.) are among the top Tiger runners for the men.

Freshman Kinsey Farren (Dallas, Texas) will get her first look at the course as she leads a talented group of runners onto the course. Joining Farren will be senior Kate Greer (Marshalltown, Iowa), Emily Baker (Wildwood, Mo.) and the Tigers best runner so far this season Angela Potrykus (Evergreen, Colo.). Also, making her first appearance for the Tigers and giving them a boost will be junior Ellen Ries (Ryan, Iowa).

Coach Wilmes views the Bradley Classic as a great way for the Tigers to gain momentum heading into the postseason. With the Big 12 Championships just two weeks away, the Bradley Classic gives the Tigers a great chance to become acquainted with the Regional course and gives them a challenging course that should provide the Tiger runners with both confidence and momentum to close out the regular season.

The men's race, an 8K trek will begin at 4:15 p.m. with the women's 6K race following the completion of the men's race at 5:00 p.m. For complete results log onto www.mutigers.com.