MOREHEAD, Ky. - Both Morehead State cross country teams will get their 2010 seasons underway this weekend at the Dayton Flyer 5K Challenge. A familiar event for the Eagles, Saturday's opener will take place at Indian Riffle Park in Kettering, Ohio.
"We are looking for a great start to a new year. We have opened up at Dayton for the past several years, and both teams have been working extremely hard and are anticipating the first meet," said coach Tommy Barksdale.
"Everyone wants to get off to a great start to the new year. We have a fairly young women's team and they are a little nervous, which is good. On the men's team we have a great mix with veterans and newcomers, and the men know they can accomplish something great this year. Everything starts with Dayton."
The Eagle men return seven veterans, including returning all-conference redshirt
Ron Duncan, and six newcomers.
Duncan was a first-team all-conference performer in 2008 but sat out last season so he would retain one more year of eligibility. His time at the 2008 OVC Championships ranks as the top time among all conference returnees this year. Also returning is all-conference runner
Josh Wakeman, who earned Second-Team All-OVC in 2009.
The men also have
James Bowens,
Matt Dotson,
Michael Settles,
Patrick Fouch and
Jeffrey Covington back in the mix.
Barksdale also expects many of his newcomers to battle for a spot in the lineup. This weekend, the Eagles will start a large lineup so Barksdale can evaluate his talent. The top five finishers for the Eagles will count in the team standings.
On the women's side, the Eagles return six runners, including five who were in the regular lineup last season. MSU also boasts three freshmen who could challenge for spots in the rotation.
Liz Braunwart,
Natalie Norman,
Holly Mandzak, and
Kate Bomar will look to battle for the top few places in the lineup, while
Amanda Faust and
Kim Holder will look to see more action this season. As in the men's race, Barksdale will start a large contingent with the top five finishers counting for team standings.