Sept. 28, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The men's and women's cross country teams will have their first meet in Memphis this season as they compete at the Rhodes College Invitational at Shelby Farms on Saturday, Sept. 29. The women's 5k race kicks off at 9:45 a.m. and the men's 8k race will follow at 10:10 a.m.

"The ladies and guys are excited about racing in Memphis. We have had some little injuries here and there, but we are ready to compete," said Coach Mike Power. "We're going to have the whole team out there supporting us. Not just the cross country team, but the track and field team as a whole. It shows how far this team has come over the years."

Last weekend the women's team placed third at the UALR Open. Senior Emily Malinowski led all Lady Tigers with a fourth place finish.

"Tina Sherratt is overcoming a sickness and should fair well this weekend. Emily placed fourth here last year and I expect for her to race for a win this time around," said Power.

Jorgen Ekdahl had an impressive performance at the UALR Open as he dropped his time from the previous week by a minute and placed fifth with a time of 26:24.05, leading the men's team to an overall second place finish.

"The guys' team should do well tomorrow. We have a few guys out with some minor injuries, but overall we should place well," said Power. "I expect Sam James to do very well, as he has throughout the year and Jorgen should be right up there for the guys."

Tomorrow's race will be the first of two home events for the Tigers. Next week, both teams will compete in the Brooks Memphis Twilight Classic at the Mike Rose Complex.