University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldogs Host 2016 Big South Cross Country Championships Friday Morning
WHO: UNC Asheville men’s and women’s cross country teams
WHAT: 2016 Big South Conference Cross Country Championships
WHERE: Asheville Christian Academy, 74 Riverwood Rd, Swannanoa, NC 28778
WHEN: Friday, October 28 10:30 a.m. (W), 11:30 a.m. (M)
WHY:
ASHEVILLE, N.C.- The UNC Asheville men’s and women’s Cross country teams have been preparing all season to host the 2016 Big South Conference Cross Country Championships. Tomorrow, they will have the opportunity to compete for a Championship on their home course of Asheville Christian Academy and fans are encouraged to attend.
"Very excited about competing for a Championship at home tomorrow. We feel that the course is in good shape. Our kids are excited for the opportunity to race in front of the home crowd, and are really looking forward to representing UNC Asheville in a great way," said head coach Jesse Norman.
For Asheville fans who want to know more about tomorrow’s meet, here a few cross country quick facts to help them prepare.
Scoring: Individual- Each individual is ranked overall based on how they finish (time-wise) among the entire group. Team- The first five individuals on each team have their times counted towards the team score, and the team with the lowest score wins.
Distance: The women run a 5k race, for those who only speak English measurements, that 3.11 miles, while the men run an 8k race just under five miles at 4.97.
(Bull)Dogs in the Fight: Both programs have enjoyed successful seasons so far, with strong team showings already on their home course of ACA.The top dog for the women’s team so far this season has been senior, Sarah Heisner. Heisner’s best time this year has been 19:00 in a 5k at Asheville's second home meet; she carries an overall PR of 18:08 in the 5k. On the men’s side, two-time Big South Conference Runner of the Week, Dominic Colichio has been at the front of Asheville’s pack in 2016. Collichio's best time this year has been 25:28.90 in the 8k, which is a personal best for the red-shirt junior. Also in the mix for Asheville are both Kelley Coleman (w) and Zach Boone (m), both have been second for Asheville runner in the past two meets.
Bulldog Background: Last year, the women’s team placed fourth overall, with then junior Sarah Heisner placing eighth individually with her PR of 18:08. The men’s team placed fifth overall with Dominic Collichio finishing at the top for the Bulldogs in 17th individually with a time of 25:50.49.