Aug. 29, 2007

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina cross country team will open the 2007 season when the Gamecocks host the USC Gamecock Cross Country Invitational at Hilton Field in Fort Jackson on Friday, August 31. Both the men and the women will compete in the 5,000 meter race with the men’s race scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the women’s race to follow at 7 p.m. The meet is free of charge and fans can enter through Gate 2 at Fort Jackson. A photo id is required to enter Fort Jackson.

The USC will host nine Division I schools including Clemson, Charleston Southern, College of Charleston, Georgia Southern, SC State, The Citadel, UNC Asheville, UNC Charlotte, USC Upstate and six Division 2 schools including Coker College, Francis Marion, UNC Pembrook, USC Aiken, USC Beaufort and Savannah College of Art and Design.

“The team is very excited to race after two weeks of training against themselves. I expect good results from them, based on their workouts and attitude during the pre-season. Hopefully, our best effort will see us end the race on top,” Head Coach Stan Rosenthal said.

The Gamecocks look for their second straight victory at the USC Gamecock Invitational. Last year, South Carolina swept the women’s title with Casey Gale leading the Gamecocks with a second place finish. South Carolina scored 38 points to break a two-year streak against Clemson, who scored 106 points.

The Gamecocks return 14 runners from last season including tri-captains Casey Gale, Rebecca Chain and Callie Rabun. Gale will not be competing at the Gamecock Invitational due to a foot injury. The Gamecocks are also looking to juniors Kelsey Bristol and Megan Robers to help advance the team.

Rosenthal is also expecting great things from newcomers this season including freshmen Cassity Brewer, Courtney Bowen, Ashley Evens, Sarah Langdon, Laura Pramstaller and Tara Tae.

The South Carolina cross country team will be back in action Sat., Sept. 15 at Winthrop in Rock Hill, S.C.