University of Tennessee Athletics
Cross Country Vols Run Saturday in Cardinal Classic
October 02, 2003 | Cross Country
Oct. 2, 2003
Fresh off a two-week training cycle, Tennessee's cross country squad suits up again Saturday at 10:45 a.m. for the 8K Cardinal Classic in Louisville, Ky. Running on Louisville's Shelby Campus, the Volunteers face the biggest field of the season on a flatter, easier course for the season's third race and the only race of the season not held on a golf course.
Head coach George Watts turned in a preliminary competition roster of 14, likely the Vols' largest travel squad of the season. With the young squad and the accompanying shifting positions within the top 10, Watts hopes the Cardinal Classic begins to give him an idea of who is prepared for the November championship season. Although it won't be the final deciding factor with another race next Friday and three more weeks of training before the SEC clash, results from Louisville will help Watts narrow his eye on his top seven or eight.
"The field this weekend will include several college teams as well as some club teams and athletes," Watts said. "I expect some stiff competition and we can't afford to take this race or any other lightly. This weekend's course is considered fairly flat so I expect some improvements in our season-best times. The next two races should give us a better idea of the makeup of our team for the rest of the season. If they stay dedicated and continue with their current level of intensity they can have a successful season."
While the field is subject to change, initial reports indicate 16 collegiate teams and two club teams comprise the field. Alabama-Huntsville, Bellamarine, Campbellsville, Centre, Danville Area, Eastern Kentucky, Evansville, Georgetown, Kentucky, Kentucky State, Lindsey Wilson, Louisville, Marian, MTSU, Samford and Tennessee fill out the collegiate portion of the field. Eastern Kentucky Club Team and Fleet Feet Club Team complete the field.
The course at the Shelby Campus is all grass and mostly flat with some slight rolling hills on the backside of the 8K test. The course offers limited turns and long straightaways. If weather conditions match the favorable course, the Vols' list of season-best times could be altered substantially. However, a chance of morning showers could alter those expectations.
"We are excited about competing this weekend," Watts said. "Since the Navy meet we have had two very good weeks of training, possibly the best of the season. I have seen improvement physically and mentally. We have moved into our next phase of training and seem to have sharpened up a little. We still have much hard work ahead of us before we are ready for the month of November."
