The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Esche Announces 2016 Slate
7/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Cross Country head coach Matt Esche has announced the Blazers’ 2016 schedule, which includes six meets.
“I am excited for the 2016 season and the different experiences that our schedule will bring to our student-athletes,” Esche said. “Each of our competitions will provide an excellent challenge for both our young squad and seasoned veterans. We are a very different team from last year and our schedule will allow us to show the progress that we have made.”
The Blazers open their slate under second-year head coach Esche in Memphis, Tenn., as they compete at the Memphis Twilight on September 3.
UAB returns to Tennessee two weeks later on September 17 as it heads to Vanderbilt to run in the Vanderbilt Black and Gold Classic.
The Blazers open October in Louisville, Ky., at the Greater Louisville Classic hosted by Louisville before wrapping up the regular season at in-state foe Alabama at the Crimson Classic on October 14.
UAB gears up for the 2016 Conference USA Championship, set for Saturday, October 29 in Charlotte, N.C., hosted by Charlotte. Esche’s team then travels to participate in the NCAA South Regional Championships in Tallahassee, Fla.
“My expectations for the season are to make people turn and take notice,” Esche added. “For many years, UAB has had a tremendous individual or two at cross country meets; we are a different team this year. Most teams look for a low stick up front and this year our strength will be in the pack. We have a tremendous group of returners - combine that with the experience of UTC transfer Emily Drouin and our incoming freshman, UAB is going to be a tough fight for anyone to handle.”
2016 Schedule
Date Meet Location Time
Saturday, Sept. 3 Memphis Twilight Memphis, Tenn. 9:20 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17 Vanderbilt Black and Gold Nashville, Tenn. 9 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1 Greater Louisville Classic Louisville, Ky. 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 14 Crimson Classic Tuscaloosa, Ala. 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 29 Conference USA Championships Charlotte, N.C. TBD
Friday, Nov. 11 NCAA South Regional Championships Tallahassee, Fla. TBD
