Cross Country Heading to California

PROVO -- BYU cross country action resumes Saturday as the men's and women's teams both make trips to California to compete for the first time in two weeks.

The No. 16 men’s team will be running an 8K race at the University of California Riverside Invitational Saturday morning. The UC Riverside course is 85 percent flat with a few rolling hills, hard packed dirt with pre-competition watering to reduce dust. The race also features a portion through the shade of 100 year-old orange groves and eucalyptus trees.

“This race should help us get established and get some more experience,” men’s head coach Ed Eyestone said. “We should be able to control the tempo and sort out who are top guys will be."

BYU will look for junior Miles Batty, fresh of his Mountain West Conference athlete of the week award, to continue to lead the Cougars. The men’s race is set to begin at 9:15 a.m. MT. Click here for results on Flash Results.

Both teams are coming off victories in their first races of the season at the Autumn Classic and Utah State Invitational. This week, teams look to build on strong performances and find continuing success.

About 100 miles south the No. 20 women’s team will be in San Diego for the Aztec Invitational at Balboa Park. Reigning MWC Athlete of the Week Katie Bowen will lead the Cougars up against MWC-foe San Diego State, UC San Diego, Northern Arizona, UCLA and 2009 JUCO National Champion Central Arizona.

The women will compete in the invitational 5K race, which is scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m. MST. Results will be available on GoAztecs.com after the completion of the meet.