The UConn men's cross country team will be competing in the Fairfield Invitational, their first meet of the year, this Saturday in Fairfield at 11:15 a.m. After placing fifth last season, the coaches predict better results because the team is better as a whole.
Assistant coach Rich Miller sees great enthusiasm and better quality in his overall younger team. Top runners Michael Rutt, Brian Gagnon and Will Sanders won't be running in the meet for preparation reasons.
"This as a good opportunity for the younger and less experienced runners to step up," Miller said.
The cross country team is made up of a 12-man roster but you don't have to be the best to have a shot. Miller has organized a separate group of runners who didn't make the cut but have shown in the past they are capable of competing at a higher level. If these runners prove themselves worthy they will have the opportunity to be a part of the 12-man roster for the season to come.
When asked of the biggest difference between this season and last season, head coach Greg Roy mentioned this year's larger and more talented set of runners, including Will Sanders.
"I am shooting to qualify for nationals," said Sanders, a 9th-semester political science major. "I am gearing up more for the second half of the season."
During his 2007-2008 junior year Sanders finished 21st place at the Big East Championships with a time of 24:29.40 and was the top UConn finisher at the New England Championships placing 39th with a time of 26:01.
Be the first to comment on this article!