Aug. 31, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina cross country team opens its 2009 season Friday, September 4 at 7pm at Hilton Fields in Fort Jackson. Twelve teams will be competing in the 5K race along with a few individuals in the annual home opening meet for the Gamecocks.

Headlining the race will be former World Champion and record holder at 5,000 meters, Zola Budd-Pieterse, also memorable for her run in the 3,000 meters at the 1984 Olympic Games. Budd-Pieterse is now a volunteer assistant coach at Coastal Carolina. She is now 43 and a top master `s road racer.

Headlining the Gamecock’s team competition are the Clemson Tigers and the Big South Champions Coastal Carolina. The Gamecocks will be lead by two NCAA qualifiers from the 2009 track and field season, sophomore Beatrice Biwott and senior Dani Barnes. Juniors Ashley Evens and Laura Pramstaller have also been leading the Gamecock pack and should post strong times for the team. Freshmen Emma Borowicz (JL Mann HS), Tatum Tyler and Laura Beggs, along with sophomores Erin Fedewa, Sara Hartley and Nicole Rhienlander, complete the pack and the top 10 in the varsity.

Directions to Hilton Field may be found online at GamecocksOnline.com.