Troy University Athletics
Troy University
Coach O Invitational
Trojans Set to Host Coach "O" Invitational
10/11/2012 2:36:00 PM | Cross Country
Troy, Ala.- The Troy Trojans cross country teams will be hosting the 2012 Coach “O” Invitational Saturday morning. This is the Trojans final meet before the Sun Belt Conference Championships in Bowling Green, Ky.
The men's 8K race will begin at 10 am with the women's 5K race following at 10:45 am.
“This weekend will be the last race of our regular season,“ said coach Jeff Jenkins. “This gives us the opportunity to do one final tune up before we go to Bowling Green in two weeks. As I mentioned earlier in the season, our two home meets are quite symbolic for us. The first home meet marks the opening of cross country season and Coach O marks the close of regular season.
“Our runners are excited to be back home and looking forward to taking advantage of running on such a familiar course. We know that, for the most part, times will be much slower because of the course difficulty, but we do expect significant performance increases from our opening race at home.”
The cross country team is not only glad to compete in this annual race, but they are also proud to honor one of Troy's former All-Americans and current school record holder in the 400 meters, Charles Oliver, by hosting this race.
“Our athletes need to know and understand the history of the program, and who came before them,” said Coach Jill Lancaster. “Our runners look forward to representing at the highest level on Saturday.”
Oliver was inducted as part of the inaugural class into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame back in August.
The Trojan men's team is being led this season by junior Kemper Morton. Morton finished 22nd last weekend at the FSU Invitational with a time of 26:39.3. Morton continues to improve with every meet and is proving to the coaching staff that he can be a true contender during the outdoor track season.
Freshman Julia Ostendorf is proving with every meet that she is a force for the Trojan women's team. Ostendorf finished the 6K FSU Invitational 28th with a time of 23:23.2. Ostendorf is followed closely by senior Morgan Paulson who finished the FSU Invitational 32nd with a time of 23:28.1
The meet will feature six teams: Alabama State, Albany State, Birmingham Southern, Chipola, Huntingdon, and Troy; as well as boasting several unattached runners.
The top female and male runners will receive a Coach “O” watch, provided by Coach O himself. The top 10 finishers will each receive a t-shirt.
“I would like to thank the faculty and staff at Troy University for the outpouring support our teams receive from them,” Coach Lancaster said. “I would also like to extend a special thank you to Coach O for donating the awards for the race and for continuing to be an inspiration to track and field athletes throughout the Southeast region.
“I invite all students of Troy University and all Trojan fans to come out and support your team as we prepare to close the regular season.” Jenkins said.
