University of North Florida
Florida Mountain Dew Invitational
UNF Cross Country Runs At UF Invite
9/17/2009 2:07:46 PM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
“This is our coming out party for this year, said head coach Mark VanAlstyne. “Because we went out to
Last season the men finished second out of the 12 teams in the Mountain Dew Invitational. UNF finished better than in-state rivals FIU, FAMU, FAU, USF,
The women finished in the middle of the pack with senior Hillary Adams scoring the best time (18:74.07) and finishing 15th.
Freshman Shelby Kittrell and Meggie Emons will look to build off of their performances from the Ron Pynn Invitational, leading the team to third and sixth place finishes.
“I talked with them this morning about racing to win. We have to remember that's why we are in this race,” said VanAlstyne “This is a very close team, and this is important because when you get to championship time the adversity, the stress, and the pressure which naturally comes along is tough, but if you're really close and really together you're able to overcome and be that much stronger because of it.”
The weather for the invitational is forecasted to be around 88 degrees, with humidity almost to 70 percent.
“The weather will be challenging with it being an evening race, when last year it was a morning race,” said VanAlstyne. “It will also be a little bit hotter which is good because if it turns into a race that rewards the toughness and the strength and character of the team then we are going to be competitive.”
