The Southern Utah University men's cross country team travels to Terre Haute, Ind., to compete in the Pre-Nationals Invitational on Oct. 16, according to a Oct. 15 report.
The team is scheduled to compete in the 8K blue race at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course starting at 11:40 a.m. MDT.
Head Coach Isaac Wood stated that the decision to bring the top seven runners was made to seek an opportunity to score points and qualify for nationals. Wood noted the event provides a chance to see how the team compares to other regional teams.
The invitational, hosted by Indiana State University, includes competition from Indiana State, Utah Tech University, the University of Southern Indiana, and Indiana University.
The Sycamores previously finished fifth at the Fighting Illini Invitational, 29th at the John Nicholas Invitational, and 14th at the Joe Piane Invitational. The Screaming Eagles have five races on record with four top-five finishes, including a first-place finish at the Stegemoller Screagle Twilight.
In-state rival Utah Tech University opened the season with a second-place finish at the Northern Arizona University George Kyte Classic. The team also placed fifth at the University of Riverside, California Invitational and third at the SUU Color Country Invitational.
Indiana University's men's team has competed in three events, securing second place at the Sam Bell Invitational, 23rd at the John McNichols Invitational, and ninth at the Joe Piane Invitational.
Both the men's and women's cross country teams are scheduled to travel to Flagstaff, Ariz., for the Big Sky Conference Championship on Oct. 30. The men's 8K race is scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by the women's 5K at 11 a.m.
