Cross Country Looks to Defend SLC Titles
10/29/2004 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Oct. 29, 2004
The Stephen F. Austin men and women's cross country team will be in Beaumont, Texas, Monday to defend their Southland Conference cross country titles. The Lumberjacks will be looking for their fourth-straight title while the Ladyjacks will be looking to win their third consecutive. The meet will take place at the Idylwild Golf Club. The women's race will begin at 9:30 a.m., and it will be a 6,000-meter course. The men are set to get under way at 10:30 a.m., and they will be running an 8,000-meter course.
Taking a Look Back ... The SFA men and women's cross country team went to Huntsville, Texas last season and dominated the SLC Championships. The Lumberjacks had four athletes earn All-SLC honors, led by Mike Thompson who won the individual title and was named SLC Athlete of the Year. The Ladyjacks dominated in similar fashion with three athletes earning All-SLC honors, led by Ana Rodriguez who won her second-straight SLC title and league athlete of the year honors. SFA cross country coach Lou Snelling also was named SLC Men's and Women's Coach of the Year.
Positive Signs The Ladyjacks return three former All-SLC athletes in seniors Emily Hufstedler and Jessica Partin and sophomore Ashley Monteau. Monteau finished second at last year' championship meet behind teammate Ana Rodriguez. The Lumberjacks return Julian Acuna as the lone All-SLC athlete from last year's team, but have other athletes who have stepped up since. Sophomore Cody Clark earned All-SLC honors during the outdoor track season last year and junior Marc Farris has recorded the fastest 8,000-meter time in the league this season heading into the championships.
Up Next ... SFA will return to action Saturday Nov. 13, when they travel to Waco, Texas to compete in the NCAA South Central Regional meet. The race will be hosted by Baylor and held at the Cottonwood Creek GC.
-SFA-
