Cross Country Gears Up for the Autumn Classic

PROVO -- After starting their season last weekend, the men's and women's cross country teams will be running on home turf once again in Saturday's Autumn Classic at Cascade Golf Course in Orem beginning at 10 a.m.

"We're expecting a real show," women's head coach Patrick Shane said. "It will be a chance to showcase what we have and a chance for people to come out and preview one of our better teams over the years."

In last weekend's meet the teams ran against BYU alumni. This Saturday, the Cougars will face competition from University of Utah, University of Minnesota, Utah Valley State and Weber State.

Shane said the Alumni race was great preparation for this week, and Saturday's meet will be great preparation for upcoming road meets.

"This will give many of the team members a chance to experience some in-state competition," he said. "I know theses schools have all recruited some nice freshman and they have some talented returning people. I would expect there to be some good matchups for many of our athletes."

The men's team will also be using this race as preparation for their road trip to Minnesota in two weeks where they will run in the Griak Invitational.

This meet will be the last meet hosted by the Cougars until the Mountain Regional on Nov. 12.

The women's 5K starts at 10 a.m. and the men's 4 mile will begin at 11 a.m. The meet officially starts at 8:30, with high school races scheduled before the university-level runners face off.

Admission to the meet is $3 for adults and $1 for students with ID. Children 5 and under are free. Youth athletes age 14 and under who wear their track or cross country uniform will be admitted free.