Tigers Cross Country Heads To Alabama Friday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – After a nearly three-week break from competition, the University of Memphis men's and women's cross country squads get back on the course at the University of Alabama's Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Friday, Oct. 16. The women's 5k race starts at 5 p.m. (CT), with the men's 8k to follow at 5:30 p.m. (CT).

For the Tigers, the Crimson Classic is a switch from the schedule released at the beginning of the season. That schedule had Memphis running in the Pre-NCAA Championships in Louisville, Ky., this weekend, but the change is one that head coach Kevin Robinson hopes will benefit both squads.

"The NCAA regional championships will be held in Tuscaloosa, so it gives our teams to an opportunity to get familiar with what is a very challenging course," said Robinson. "The meet will be a little smaller in terms of the numbers of teams running, but it will be a competitive race. This will give our runners a preview of the course before the regional."

The Harry Pritchett Running Park is the host site of Friday's races. The venue has hosted the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships several times and also the NCAA South Regional Championships in 2001, 2004, 2009 and 2011.

"It's a hilly course with several changes of direction," Robinson said. "This is a true cross country course. It's going to be a challenge, and we'll see how our runners attack the hills and how they stay focused mentally throughout the race."

Both Tigers squads have had some time to train and prepare since their last meets Sept. 26. At the Rhodes College Invitational, the women's team placed first and the men finished third. Junior Martina Rodriguez-Sala won the women's individual title. On the men's side, Corentin Louis was the highest finisher, crossing the line in fourth place.

"The break served us well on several fronts," said Robinson. "It's allowed our new distance coach, Ken Frenette, and our student-athletes to work together, and they got to learn and understand his philosophy.

"It's also allowed for more recovery time, as some of runners have been banged up. Finally, it's given us more time to train and put us in a position to be more competitive."

Memphis also is looking to get to full strength for the first time this season, as injuries have kept key runners out of competition. But, a couple of runners are still recovering and may be unable to run Friday.

"Kristen (Adams) is getting stronger each week," Robinson said. "She has been pain-free for around four weeks now and is doing a really good job. She is not at her best yet, but she is healthy. As long as she can train and stay healthy, Kristen will be a factor for us down the stretch.

"Unfortunately, Stephen (Tankersley) has battled a couple of different injuries this season. He's a tough kid, and he wants to compete. So when the time comes, I'm sure Stephen will be ready. Diego (Lara Delgado) is back running, but not participating in our workouts yet. He's still a few weeks out from returning."

Following Friday's meet at Alabama, Memphis' focus turns to the American Athletic Conference Championships in Greenville, N.C., Oct. 31.

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Players Mentioned

Corentin Louis

University of Memphis Athletics