Cross Country Teams Begin Practice for 2009

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville men's and women's cross country teams begin preparations for their 2009 season today.

Third-year coach Jesse Norman has steadily improved the program since coming to coach in the summer of 2007. He thinks both squads will continue their improvement this year.

"We have more depth with each squad than we had last season," explained Norman. "I truly believe we can move up in the Big South Conference standings this year."

The Bulldog men's squad moved from last place to fifth place in 2008. Asheville returns a young but experienced team this year. Sophomores' Sam Maynard and Kent Rankin ran well for the Bulldog harriers last season and should be better this year. Newcomer Eliud Chirchir transfers in from Wyoming and should make an impact for Asheville.

The Bulldog women's team is rebuilding but should be better than last season's eighth-place finish. Senior Katie Olert and sophomore Emma Bussard will lead the Asheville squad in 2009.

Both squads open the 2009 season in Cullowhee on Sept. 4 at the Western Carolina Invitational.