Nov. 15, 2008
YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Miami's cross country season continues Saturday when the RedHawks travel to West Lafayette, Ind., to compete at the Great Lakes Regional. The top two teams automatically advance to the national race later this month, while 13 other at-large berths will be available to teams across the country based on their regional finish.
The RedHawks are ranked eighth in the region, but likely need to finish in the top five to gain consideration for the national race. However, coming off a close loss to Eastern Michigan in the Mid-American Conference Championship, the team is loaded with confidence.
"We have been ranked anywhere from fourth to eighth this season and the region will probably send five or six teams," Head Coach Warren Mandrell said. "For us to advance, we will have to get ahead of Notre Dame and Indiana or possibly Butler.
At the MAC Championship on Nov. 1, Miami battled Eastern Michigan, but the Eagles took advantage of the home course to edge the RedHawks, 42-56. Junior Kevin Silver (Beachwood) and senior Pat Sovacool (Lakewood) finished 2-3 in the overall standings.
Both have a chance at advancing out of the region, even if the team does not. Top runners on teams who are not selected for the Championship, can receive an individual bid. Sovacool earned a spot in last year's national final.
"Individually, Pat and Kevin have a chance at advancing to the national finals. They need to run a smart race, but the times have been there all year."
Bids to the national championship will be announced on Sunday night.
|
|
 |
|
|
||
| MuRedHawks.com WEB | ||
