Thursday October 11, 2001

After dominating the fields at the Murray Keatinge Invitational last weekend, the men and women's cross country teams will face their toughest competition of the season at the Pre-NCAA Invitational Saturday in Greenville, S.C.

With postseason hopes at stake, both teams are looking for an inspired effort against the nation's premier distance runners.

The Pre-NCAA field consists of 72 teams and over 500 runners divided into two equal sections for both male and female competitors.

After finishing in first and third place during their first two meets of the season, the women's team has put itself in position for a good finish this weekend.

Led by senior Tara Chaplin's third- and first-place finishes this year, the women bring an experienced and confident group to South Carolina. Sophomore Beth Hogue and senior Erin Doherty have followed right behind Chaplin, while senior Jennifer Burris and junior Kim Bates round out a very consistent top five for the Wildcats.

UA head coach Dave Murray also anticipates the return of senior standout Abby Peters for the Pre-NCAA's. Peters, an All-American distance runner for Boise State during the 1999 season, missed the first two meets this year due to a nerve injury in her hip.

"We've run very strongly this season," Murray said. "If Abby can get her training in and we have her (this weekend), we'll be in great shape."

After struggling in their first meet of the season, the men's team is poised to stay with the front of the pack at the Pre-NCAA's.

Only the top two teams from each region receive automatic bids to the NCAA championships in November. Having already finished behind two teams in their region during previous meets, Murray realizes the importance of this weekend's race.

"The Pre-NCAA's are such a large field, so we really have to do well in this one in order to qualify for NCAA's," said Murray. "It will be difficult for our men to finish in the top two of our region later in the year, so this is that meet to do well at in order to help our chances for an at-large berth."

After receiving a lift from freshman Mark Anderson, who led the team during last week's second-place team finish, the confidence of the men's squad continues to climb.

With junior Kyle Goklish leading the Wildcats in their first race of the season, the senior trio of Steve Smith, Tom Prindiville and Mike Cramer are anticipating a breakout race for themselves this weekend.

"We've had enough recent speed workouts that should really help us this weekend," Smith said. "We are still improving a lot. Mark (Anderson) has been running great, and there is a greater confidence within the team."

The Wildcats were able to run in a tight pack last weekend in Maine - a crucial ingredient for a successful score and finish in cross country.

The team realizes that it will take its most focused effort this weekend to further its postseason hopes.

"We cannot afford to not run good this weekend," Smith said. "This is a very important meet, and our team is really putting a lot of emphasis on it."