Oct. 30, 2011
MEET NOTES :: OFFICIAL MEET SITE
MARYVILLE, Tenn. - Auburn Cross Country will compete in the 2011 SEC Championships hosted by the University of Tennessee on Monday.
The women's 6k race is set for Monday morning at 9 a.m., followed by the men's 8k race at 10 a.m. Both races will be held at Lambert Acres Golf Club in Maryville, Tenn.
With two weeks off since their most recent race, the Auburn cross country team is rested and ready to go.
"We had a couple of issues at the Crimson Classic with injuries," head coach Mark Carroll said. "We've overcome those since that meet. Practices have gone excellently since then - as good as we could possibly imagine. Really there has been a great atmosphere around the team. Both work outs on last Saturday were fabulous for us. Everybody is excited about the SEC meet. The entire team is feeling positive and has a great frame of mind going into the weekend."
Carroll is optimistic about Auburn's chances with a healthy, motivated team making the trip north to Tennessee. He also knows that his squad will be competing against several talented teams.
"Arkansas is probably the strongest team coming," Carroll said. "Florida has had a very good season. Georgia has had a very good season. Outside of that, we have probably had as good of a season as anyone else, or at least close to that. I think we should be top four on the men's side and if we catch a good day, maybe even top three.
"On the ladies side, we have a very, very young team - like we've said from the outset of the season. This is really going to be a year for us to get that SEC experience. I just hope everybody goes out there and has a really positive experience. Hopefully, Elizabeth Briasco and Alissa Fisher are out front and we have a good outing this week."
Overall, Carroll is excited about the state of his program and is ready for the competition.
"There is a great atmosphere in the group right now," Carroll said. "The guys understand this is the peak of the season and everybody is in good form. It's a lot of fun to be around. There is just a very positive atmosphere around the group. I think that is big. Nobody seems to be too tired or drained, which is great."
Results from Monday's race will be available upon completion. For more information on the 2011 SEC Championships, visit www.SECSports.com.