Aug. 27, 2008

After a summer of intensive training and dedication, the South Carolina cross country team is ready to put its hard work to the test. The Gamecocks host the Gamecock Invitational at Hilton Field in Fort Jackson on Fri., Aug. 29, to open the 2008 season. The women’s 5000 meter race is set for 7:00 p.m., following the men’s 5000 meter race at 6:30 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.

South Carolina will host Benedict College, Catawba College, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, College of Charleston, Georgia Southern, Mercer, Presbyterian College, Savannah College of Art & Design, South Carolina State, The Citadel, UNC Pembroke, USC Aiken, USC Beaufort and Vorhees College.

The Gamecocks have had strong showings at the event since its inception in 2003, claiming two first-place finishes, two second-place results and one third-place showing. In the 2007 Gamecock Invitational, the Gamecocks ran past archrival Clemson to claim a third-place finish. Former Gamecock Rebecca Chain led the team with a ninth-place finish. The Gamecocks had four other runners finish in the top 25, including Ashley Evens, Cassity Brewer, Courtney Bowen and Callie Rabun. Evens and Brewer return as sophomores, ready to improve on last year’s finish.

The Gamecocks return 16 runners from last season, including tri-captains Kelsey Bristol, Evens and Lisa McKinney. Nine out of the 16 returners have PRs of 19:00 or faster.

“With the normal 30-to-40 second improvement expected after a good summer of training, the team could be very competitive in the conference and region,” head coach Stan Rosenthal said.

With 14 newcomers, the Gamecocks will have added depth this season. Leading the newcomers’ race is Danielle Barnes, Beatrice Biwott, Elizabeth Heath, Sara Hartley and Kelly Renfro. Freshmen Shannon Walls, Nicole Rheinlander and Katie Walls have looked good during preseason practice and should be some of the team’s top placers.