ASU Women’s Cross Country Team heads to Regional
FROM ASU SPORTS INFORMATION
The Alabama State Lady Hornets Cross Country team will head to Tuscaloosa, Ala. Saturday for the NCAA South Region Championships. The race will be held at Harry Pritchett Running Course, hosted by the University of Alabama. The women are scheduled to run at 11:15 a.m.
After a championship season winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title two weeks ago, the Lady Hornets earned a spot to compete at the regional championship. Courtney Gooch, Soyong Smith, Lutrisha Altidor, Raheema Hodges, and Kesia Derilus, all achieving top 10 honors at the SWAC Championship, will lead the Lady Hornets in their first regional cross country race since 2008.
"It definitely feels good to win conference, however I know that our back is against the wall for this meet", head coach Ritchie Beene said.
The Lady Hornets will be returning to the same location where The Alabama Crimson Classic 5K was held, however this time, the race is on a 6K course. The ladies will be running against schools in the south region such as, University of Florida, Vanderbilt University, University of Georgia, Florida State University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), and the University of Alabama Birmingham as well as many other schools from the SEC, Sun Belt, Atlantic Sun, MEAC, and Big East conferences.
"Mentally of the majority of the team is ready, but I know some runners are a little doubtful because we are running against some of the best competition in the county. They are wondering how they will match up against competition", said Beene.
Beene , the 2011 Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year, hopes the seniors will have an experience they can remember after starting out the year with a championship under their belt already.
"I'm definitely going to miss these ladies that are leaving; I am looking for ladies that will be able to do the same thing they have done the years they were here. That is what I am here for. I am blessed and thankful to have these ladies, they will forever leave their mark on the track & field program at Alabama State University", said Beene
