.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels to Open Cross Country Season in Memphis
9/4/2015 | Track and Field
OXFORD, Miss. - The cross country season begins on Saturday for Ole Miss as both the men's and women's teams travel to Memphis to compete in the Brooks Memphis Twilight Classic.
The men's team enters the season as the league coaches' preseason pick to win the SEC. The Rebels have garnered the highest national ranking in program history at No. 15 in the USTFCCA Coaches' Poll as well as coming in at the top spot in the South Region. The Rebels will race a younger complement of racers Saturday night in Memphis.
"This event gives some of the younger guys a chance to compete and see where they're at," cross country coach Ryan Vanhoy said. "It gives them a chance to carry the load and earn a spot on varsity later in the season."
The Ole Miss women were selected to finish 10th in the conference and open the season ranked No. 11 in the South Region. The women will race every runner, with the exception of Emily Bean. Last season, Mary Alex England finished fifth overall in the women's 5K at the Twilight Classic.
"We're looking forward to starting the season off and seeing where everyone is at on the women's side in terms of fitness and competitiveness," Vanhoy said.
The meet is hosted by Christian Brothers University at the Mike Rose Soccer complex. The women's 5K race is at 9:20 p.m., with the men's four-mile race set to wrap up the evening with a 10 p.m. start.
The race features 11 NCAA Division I schools, including SEC opponents Mississippi State and Alabama.
The Ole Miss men won the Twilight Classic last season. Former Rebel Barnabas Kirui set the course record in 2009 for the men's 4-mile race that still stands.
For more information on Ole Miss Track & Field and Cross Country, follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissTrack, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
