July 18, 2008
AUBURN - Auburn's cross country team will run in six meets, including hosting the Tiger Invitational in 2008, head coach Peter Watson announced Friday. The Tigers will open the season at the Powerade Invite hosted by UT-Chattanooga on Sept. 5.
"We have set up a schedule that is a little more demanding than in the past, hoping we can gain some valuable at-large points to qualify for the NCAA Championships," Watson said.
Following the season opener in Chattanooga, Tenn., the Tigers will travel to Falcon Heights, Minn., to compete at the Roy Griak Invitational on Sept. 27. It will be the first time that Auburn has participated in the event.
"The Roy Griak Invitational is one of the most competitive early season meets out there," Watson stated. "It will give us a chance to race some teams we typically may not see during the year."
Auburn's own Tiger Invitational will be held Oct. 4 at Indian Pines Golf Course, with the women's race starting at 9:30 a.m. and the men's race set to follow at 10:15 a.m. The regular season concludes Oct. 18 at the Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind.
Both events will provide valuable competition for the Tigers prior to the postseason, as some of the country's premiere teams are scheduled to run.
Mississippi State will host the 2008 SEC Championship Nov. 3 in Starkville. From there, Auburn's men and women will run at the NCAA South Regional on Nov. 15 in Maryville, Tenn., and look to qualify for the NCAA Championships held Nov. 24 in Terre Haute, Ind.