Cross Country Opens With Alumni Invitaional

PROVO -- The 2005 men's and women's cross country teams open their season Friday September 2, with the BYU Alumni Invitational.

The race is open not only to BYU alumni, but also anyone in the community who would like to take the challenge and race against the cougar teams.

Coach Patrick Shane said he is excited about this year's team and the way they have come together.

"We had a great camp," he said. "We spent a week training together and doing team building activities. The chemistry this year is exceptional. Better than we've had for a while."

Shane also said he is very please with several of his returning runners and the shape they are in. He said the team is young but full of talent, and he is excited to see some of his newly recruited runners get some experience.

The men's head coach, Ed Eyestone, said he too is pleased with his team and their camp. He said the team has been working hard and is looking forward to starting the season at the Alumni Invitational.

"This will be a great opportunity for people to come out and see the new teams, and get some watermelon afterwards," Eyestone said. "It should be a fun evening."

The Cougars will race under the lights at the intramural fields west of Lavell Edwards Stadium. The meet begins with the men's 4 mile at 8:30 pm followed by the women's 5K at 9:00 pm.