The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Set To Compete At Roy Griak Invitational
9/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Sept. 24, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB cross country team will head to Minneapolis, Minn. to run in the Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday. The 6K race, which will kick off at 12:55 pm, is hosted by the University of Minnesota and will be held at the Les Bolstad Golf Course.
"I'm excited for the girls to have a chance to compete in such a tremendous meet," head coach Blake Boldon said. "This weekend truly marks the beginning of our competition season and it will definitely bring us one step closer to our goals."
At Saturday's race the Blazers will compete against a loaded 16-team field. Schools competing include Air Force, Army, Connecticut, Drake, High Point, Iowa State, Lipscomb, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Northwestern, Oklahoma, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Utah Valley and Washington State.
Two weeks ago, UAB took the title at the Earl Jacoby Memorial, sweeping the top six spots and earning a perfect score of 15 points. Sophomore Rhiannon Johns took first place overall with a time of 18:22 in the 5K race. Junior Stephanie Gammon claimed the runner-up spot with a time of 18:52, while senior Kristina Olsen ran to a time of 19:05 to finish third.
"One person that I'm counting on to step up and have a great race is Kendel Hood," Boldon said. "In the last two weeks she has really taken her training to a new level and I hope it translates to a great individual race for her and hopefully an improved team finish."
Hood finished 23rd overall and ninth for the Blazers at the Early Jacoby Memorial with a 5K time of 20:31.
Although the Blazers will be ready to compete hard this weekend, UAB will not be bringing the full team to Minneapolis.
"Unfortunately, we're leaving a few talented runners at home for various reasons and as a coach that's disappointing," Boldon said. "My hope is that this weekend will be a tremendous learning opportunity for our whole team."
