Bulldogs Ready To Run
August 29, 2008 | Cross Country
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb men's and women's cross country teams prepare to open their regular season tonight as they take part in the Western Carolina Open tonight.
The Bulldogs, who joined the Big South Conference on July 1, begin their preparation for the league's championship, which will be held at Liberty on Nov. 1.
Although head coach Brian Baker's teams are already facing a little adversity as each has some injuries that could leave them a little shorthanded for the opener.
However, the GWU men's team has three seasoned veterans back on this year's team after losing one of the most consistent runners in school history due to graduation, Lucas McAneney.
Erin Goodrum leads the pack of five runners tonight. Goodrum, Justin Keziah and Charles Steinke all have had valuable postseason experience and have faced virtually every obstacle in their collegiate careers. Joining them will be two key newcomers to the squad, Jacob Hoyle and Nick Kelly. Each had stellar careers in the high school ranks and will add quality depth to the team. Another newcomer that might compete tonight is transfer Jason Wenzel.
On the women's side, Abby Callahan returns as GWU's top pace setter. Joining her will be Lia Hudak, Allye Littrell, Beth Long, Carrie Minard and Diana Palka. The women's team is virtually unchanged from a season ago and could make a serious challenge at the Big South Conference Championships on Nov. 1. Prior to that, newcomer Cherish Richardson will look to make a strong move into the top of the pack.
The women's squad is also facing injuries, so it is unsure if everyone will compete tonight. However, Holly and Laura Scott, Rebecca Silleman and Bree Tharpe are on the list to travel to WCU tonight.
GWU will have six regular-season competition dates prior to the Big South Championships, beginning tonight at the WCU Open. On Sept. 12, the Bulldogs hit the road to partake in the Adidas Wolfpack Invitational. On Sept. 20, GWU will return to Cullowhee, N.C., for the Catamount Classic.
The Bulldogs hit the trails for East Carolina Sept. 27 before returning home for the GWU Duel on Oct. 3. After 13 days of rest, GWU will head to Appalachian State for the Blue Ridge Open. The meet will mark the last regular season date of competition for Baker's team.
GWU will look to make a lasting impression at the Big South Conference meet. However, the squad will have to go up against Liberty, which was picked to win another title as both the men's and women's teams won the conference title a year ago. GWU's men's and women's teams were each selected to finish seventh in the Big South Conference.
Continue checking back to www.gwusports.com for continuous
updates after the conclusion of the WCU Open as well as additional
match notes that will be provided before every meet throughout the
season.
