Approaching the Louisville Cross Country Classic, the Tigers are ready to compete. Headlining their line-ups are senior captains Payton Gleason and Solstice Saliba.
Gleason is a three-time all-conference veteran. Gleason finished third in last race's mud-filled meet at Shelby Farms.
“This course is a fast course,” Gleason said. “I just hope that we step up to the completion and we can use this to guide us moving forward. I am really excited to face against Wisconsin and UT Martin.”
Another veteran runner that the Tigers have is senior Saliba. Saliba has a college best of 18:26.3 in the 5k. Her and her team feel ready for the course.
“Mentally, everyone is there and physically, everyone is in good shape,” Saliba said. “This course is historically fast, it’s flat and fast as they say. It’s a good 5k course. Everyone has high spirts and is excited for this race.”
Head distance coach Ken Frenette has high expectations for both the men and women after their performances at Shelby Farms.
“Both the men and women are looking forward to competing in the live in Louisville Cross Country Classic this Saturday. It is one of the premier cross country meets in the Midwest with well over a hundred universities and colleges competing,” Frenette said.
The Tigers are in the Gold Division. The men will race at 9:30 with the gun going off for the women at 10:15 a.m. at “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville. KY. Both teams are aiming to continue their momentum from the Rhodes meet.
“This will be the first time for a number of them to compete in a field with such depth and quality. It’s a great opportunity to go up against some of the best programs in the country,” Frenette said.
“I am looking for Wyatts and Gleason to take advantage of this opportunity to race with the best. Chloe Figgins, Solstice Salibia and Brook Mussche will be leading our women. The deciding factor in our success on Saturday will not only be our top three runners on each team, but just as importantly, we need our fourth through seventh runners to close the gap,” he added.
The Tigers have a lot of momentum coming into this race with the men coming in first place in Rhodes Cross Country Invitational. The women are also riding some momentum after finishing 2nd in 5000 meters team results.
Solstice Saliba, one of three four-year veterans on the women's team, will be in a fight for the top spot. She is one of multiple women who have already posted personal bests this season.
Payton Gleason, a three time all-conference veteran, will headline the Tigers on the men's side this year.
