Troy University Athletics
Troy Heads To Auburn Invitational
10/3/2008 5:00:00 AM | Track & Field
The Troy University cross country teams are headed to Auburn this weekend to participate in their biggest event, and third meet of the season thus far.
The Auburn Invitational will feature four races with 40 teams participating, much more than the two previous races which included no more than eight teams in both the men and women categories.
After a great start to the season for both the men and women cross country teams they are now facing their biggest challenge yet, and they are welcoming it with open arms.
"With us having a two-week layoff, all the runners are chomping at the bit to get back to racing," said assistant coach Tommy Barksdale.
The Trojan men are coming off a second-place team finish in Mobile at the Azaela City Invitational, which followed a first-place finish at the Troy Trojan Cross Country Invitational.
The Trojan women have been racing well lately, and Barksdale is expecting them to continue to improve.
"Both teams are doing great," said Barksdale. "The teams are even surpassing what were already high expectations going into the season. I can't ask for anything else right now."
The men will be running an 8k, which is about 45 meters under 5 miles, and will be making four 2,000 meter loops, while the women will be running a 5k (3.1 miles) and will be making one 1,000 meter loop followed by two 2,000 meter loops around the course.
The Trojan men are led by junior captain Jeremy Moujoodi and senior Denzel Ramirez. Both runners finished in the top two spots for Troy in both races so far this season, while the women are led by senior Jenean Corcoran and junior Kelly Harrington.
"I'm looking for leadership from these runners," Barksdale said. "I am looking for them to keep carrying the team and helping the team work well together. We are looking to keep the great team atmosphere going as we enter this meet."
The event will be at the Indian Pines Golf Course in Auburn, and the Trojans feel that they have a bit of an advantage.
"With the course being long and fast and with the runners able to sleep in their own beds the night before because of the short traveling distance, a lot of factors are playing in our favor," said Barksdale.
The Trojans will get a jumpstart on preparing for the Sun Belt Conference meet with a trio of teams competing in Auburn this weekend. Among the teams competing are conference rivals Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic and Louisiana-Lafayette.
The women will be running at 8:30 and the men will be running at 10:15 Saturday morning.
