2011 Crimson Classic Information

Oct. 13, 2011

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -The University of Memphis cross country teams will travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., this Saturday, Oct. 15 to race in the Crimson Classic, hosted by the University of Alabama. The men's 8K is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. and the women's 5K will follow with a 9 a.m. start time.

The U of M is coming off two team wins in the Rhodes College Invitational, which included a men's individual title in the 8K by sophomore James Maglasang with a personal-best 25:05. Maglasang's performance earned him Conference USA Cross Country Athlete of the Week honors on Oct. 4.

"The challenge of the `double win' at Rhodes was a great experience and a good confidence builder for both teams," cross country coach Doug Clark said. "Now, they need to bring that same intensity and determination this weekend because we will be knocking heads with many heavy hitters in our region and the SEC."

Memphis opted to compete at Alabama's meet, instead of the originally schedule Chile Pepper Festival at the University of Arkansas, in order to run the course they have a chance to see again in the NCAA South Regional meet on Nov. 12.

"Workouts have been solid since Rhodes and we are in a good position to go to Tuscaloosa and represent well against major Division I competition, which should be great preparation for the Conference USA meet on Oct. 31," Coach Clark said.

Saturday's 26-team field includes six ranked men's programs in the NCAA South region: No. 3 Georgia, No. 7 Georgia Tech, No. 9 Mississippi, No. 10 Alabama, No. 11 Kennesaw State, and No. 14 Auburn. It also boasts No. 5 Mississippi, No. 6 Georgia, No. 9 Alabama, No. 12 Samford, and No. 14 UAB on the women's side.

Final results from the Crimson Classic will be available on rolltide.com.