This Saturday morning, the Rice men's and women's cross country teams will be in Denton, TX to challenge for their respective conference championships.

The women race at 9:00 a.m., followed by the men at 10:00 a.m.

I will try posting a more in-depth preview tomorrow. But, the shorthand version is that the women's race will be between Rice and Middle Tennessee State (with its FIVE Kenyans).

On the men's side, I would anticipate that Middle Tennessee State's FIVE Kenyans will defeat UTEP's FIVE Kenyans. Rice could be in the running for 3rd, but only if the Owls are closer to full strength (from injuries). North Texas could vie for that 3rd place spot.

Go Owls! UNT hosted a NCAA Regional meet that we ran at in 1990, on a golf course next to a big hotel (Hilton or Hyatt, I think)...do they still use the same course? {Edited the year - failing memory due to age}

(10-31-2014 05:07 PM)illiniowl Wrote:  Go Owls! UNT hosted a NCAA Regional meet that we ran at in 1991, on a golf course next to a big hotel (Hilton or Hyatt, I think)...do they still use the same course?

It's on the Eagle Pointe Golf Course - but that hotel isn't there anymore.

(10-30-2014 11:32 PM)WRCisforgotten79 Wrote:  This Saturday morning, the Rice men's and women's cross country teams will be in Denton, TX to challenge for their respective conference championships.

The women race at 9:00 a.m., followed by the men at 10:00 a.m.

I will try posting a more in-depth preview tomorrow. But, the shorthand version is that the women's race will be between Rice and Middle Tennessee State (with its FIVE Kenyans).

On the men's side, I would anticipate that Middle Tennessee State's FIVE Kenyans will defeat UTEP's FIVE Kenyans. Rice could be in the running for 3rd, but only if the Owls are closer to full strength (from injuries). North Texas could vie for that 3rd place spot.

Well, if we're going to compete with TEN KENYANS, then I think our men need some POWERTHIRST.

(Warning:Language)

Rice women to start in box 5, MTSU in box 7. 13 schools to compete.

Men to start in box 8. 12 men's teams.

For the women, I fully expect another tremendous performance from Cali Roper, and high placements by Madi McClellan and Katie Jensen. The key is for the 4th and 5th runners to stay reasonably attached to the 4th and 5th from Middle Tennessee.

The men's race should have the top 4 teams by themselves, with a big gap to 5th. After reviewing North Texas's season, their top two (Valencia and Taylor) may give them a real shot at Middle Tennessee. UTEP is strong up front, but inconsistency at the back end may allow the Owls to sneak into 3rd.

Will Firth is Rice‘s best, and could qualify as an at-large entry into the NCAA Championships. Freshman Braddley Dohner and Adam Davidson also should do well.

I will try posting live updates from the course.

At the finish, there will be immediate scoring available on-line here.

Looking forward to the reporting and recap!

About 45 minutes from the start of the women's race. It is clear, calm and 38º.

Cali 7th after about 2K

Cali in the lead.

Looks like Middle Tenn.

Coming to finish. Cali wins

Unofficially MTSU 51 Rice 57

Three of the top six. Just a little short. Thanks for all the updates on cross country and track. We'd be lost without you.

Men are underway. Right pack with lots of North Texas and MTSU.

At 3K Will Firth is in 3rd. Adam Davidson is 16th.

Very night with North Texas and MTSU.

Looks like Will has hit the wall. Down to 5th.

(11-01-2014 09:19 AM)WRCisforgotten79 Wrote:  [Women] Unofficially MTSU 51 Rice 57

Wow! Great results. Thanks for the update.

Will for 6th!

North Texas, MTSU and its close for 3rd between Rice and UTEP..