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Sept. 11, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Two weeks after a win at the Dayton 5K Challenge, the Miami University women's cross country squad will compete at the Spartan Invitational at Michigan State University on Friday in East Lansing, Mich.

First-year Miami head coach Rita Arndt-Molis brings the RedHawks to her old stomping grounds with hopes of running well against some of the region's best programs.

"One thing that we did very well at Michigan State was never backing down from competition," said Arndt-Molis, who spent the past four years at MSU as an assistant and head coach before being hired has the RedHawks head coach this summer.

"That is something that we need to learn to do here. Running against some top-notch programs is good for us," she added.

"In addition to Michigan State, Grand Valley will be there. They will challenge for the Division II national title and they always have a really strong program," Arndt-Molis explained.

Looking toward the end of the season, Miami also will get a glimpse of some of their fellow challengers for the Mid-American Conference title.

"Some of our MAC competition will also be there in Buffalo, Western Michigan and Central Michigan," said Arndt-Molis. "It is a good all-around experience for us." The Spartan Invitational is a 6K race and will be run on the university's Forrest Akers East Golf Course.

"It will be our first 6,000 meter race of the year. We are prepared to run it and just have to get comfortable with it," the Miami head coach answered, Arndt-Molis also added that each race this season is a chance for the RedHawks to learn and grow as a team.

"It is another opportunity for us to learn to race as a team. That is the most important skill we can gain over the course of the season," stated Arndt-Molis. "It is important to be able to count on each other, not focusing on ourselves and being responsible for the outcome of the group and the team goals," the Miami head coach finished.

With several races, from middle school to NCAA Division I competitions, taking place as part of the Spartan Invitational, the women's collegiate race will begin at 1:35 p.m.