University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Cross Country Squads Open Up at South Carolina Friday Night
08.30.2007 | Cross Country
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville men's and women's cross country squads open up the 2007 season at the Gamecock Invitational Friday night at the University of South Carolina. The meet is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
First-year coach Jesse Norman is looking forward to having both his teams competing in a meet on Friday.
"Both teams have worked very hard in the early part of the year," stated Norman. "I like our attitude, and I believe both our teams will improve as the year goes on."
The women's squad finished in fourth place in the Big South Conference last year and has the core of its team back from last season. The Bulldogs will be led by senior Emily Mase. Mase earned all-conference honors last year at the Big South Meet and should be among the top runners in the league this season. Senior Ingrid Allstaedt should be ready to have a big year, as well.
The men's squad came in seventh place a year ago and hopes to be better in 2007. Seniors' Taylor Little and Joel Quirk should be the leaders for the Bulldog harriers. Little enjoyed a great outdoor track and field season last spring and should make a run at all-conference honors. Quirk has steadily improved each year and is one of the top student-athletes in the league. He was named to the Big South All-Academic team for three sports last year.
After Saturday's action, UNC Asheville takes a week off before hosting a meet on Friday, Sept. 14. The Bulldogs host the Big South Preview Meet at Jackson Park in Hendersonville.
