Oct. 16, 2008

The South Carolina cross country team is back on the road as it travels to Terre Haute, Ind., to compete at the 2008 Pre-Nationals on Sat., Oct. 18. The Gamecocks are set to compete in the women’s 6,000-meter Blue Race starting at 11:00 a.m.

The 2008 Pre-Nationals marks the first 6,000-meter race for South Carolina this season. The Gamecocks will have their first opportunity to face SEC opponents with Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi State among the competition.

“Every year to help get ready for SEC and NCAA’s, the cross country team travels to a race with the 6,000 meter championship distance,” head coach Stan Rosenthal said. “This year we selected the Pre-Nationals meet, several of our varsity runners are from the Midwest. This allows their families to have a chance to watch them compete closer to home.”

Due to the large field of 41 and the high caliber of teams, the Gamecocks race strategy will change.

“Our pack will start in the back, sticking together and trying to pass as many runners as possible,” Rosenthal said. “If they do this successfully, three to seven of our runners will get personal bests. Beatrice Biwott and Danielle Barnes should race as they normally do. They are seeking top 50 and top 100 finishes out of the 300 racers.”