The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Cross Country Opens Season At USM Invitational
9/11/2003 | Cross Country
Sept. 11, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss Cross Country teams will open the season on Friday, Sept. 12, at the 24th Annual Southern Miss Cross Country Invitational on the Van Hook Golf Course. The women's 5K race will begin at approximately 4:15 p.m., while the men's race will cover four miles and start at 4:45 p.m.
Fourteen teams will be competing in the event including the defending champion Tulane. Other teams competing include Alcorn State, Jackson State, Mississippi College, Spring Hill College, University of West Florida, Loyola, Millsaps, South Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana, Centenary and host Southern Mississippi.
"The meet will serve as an evaluation for us as a team," said Ole Miss Head Coach Joe Walker. "If we can continue to stay healthy, I expect this season to be a great one."
The Rebels, though still young, will have four veterans leading the way in 2003. Returning for the men will be senior Caleb Hammons and sophomores Michael Atkins, Jimmy Lohmar and Matthew Merritt. Other Rebels competing at USM will be John Carroll, Fred Cummings, Matthew Cutrer, Justin Jernigan, Bryce McKay, Morgan Miller and David Welch. The Lady Rebels return juniors Beth Brorby and Erin Jordon and sophomores Stephanie Barber and Rachel Ellison. Also competing on Friday for the Lady Rebels will be Shannon Chandler, Mallory Hamsher, Carolyn Hill, Micah Pioreck and Rachel Taff.
The Rebels finished fourth last year at the USM Invitational with 103 points, behind Southeastern Louisiana (73), Louisiana-Monroe (72), and first place Tulane (62). The Lady Rebels also placed fourth in last year's meet with 115 points, behind Louisiana-Monroe (114), University of New Orleans (66), and first place Tulane (60).
