Wake Forest Athletics
Deacs Set to Race in Virginia Tech Invitational
9/13/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Sept. 13, 2012
By Maggie Cancelosi, Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@SIDeacons)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -The Wake Forest cross country teams returns to action on Friday as they travel to Blacksburg, Va. for the Virginia Tech Invitational.
Beginning at 6 p.m. is the women's 6k followed by the men's 8K race directly afterwards at 6:40 p.m. The race will be held on the Hokies' home course, which consists of all grass over rolling hills.
"We look forward to seeing the championship course this weekend, as we focus on the details of traveling as a team for the first time this season," said assistant coach Brad Hunt. "Florida State and Virginia Tech are two well accomplished programs with strong veteran leadership that will definitely stand out amongst the field this weekend."
On the men's side, will rely on the seasoned group of seniors, including Garret Drogosch, Anthony Marois, Nate Guthals, Jake Graham and Tom Finneran.
At the Demon Deacon Quad on Aug. 31, senior Nate Guthals and freshman Jimmy McAlister were the top Wake Forest team to finish with a combined time of 48:38. The duo placed third overall, while the team totaled 14 points for second place.
Drogosch and Graham took fourth place in the relay-style event where the two crossed the lined with a combined time of 49:08.
"The men are working harder than ever, as they appreciate the effort required to place in the top half of the ACC, said Hunt. "The key to being a great distance runner is consistent training over time, and they appreciate the hard work now will allow us to be the most successful during the championship season of late October and early November."
On the women's side, the young roster which boasts eight freshmen who will compete in their second meet for Wake Forest. At the Demon Deacon Quad, freshmen Samantha Jones, Kathleen Darling, Nicole Carpio, Meredith Anderson and Kendall Knous made their first collegiate debut.
Freshman Ashley Brubaker will join her young teammates by running her first race as a Demon Deacon this Friday.
The Demon Deacon Quad showcased junior Melanie Powers and freshman Samantha Jones, who were the top team for the Deacons. The two wrapped up the 5k in a combined time of 39:01.2.
"Powers will be the most experienced woman competing this weekend," said Hunt."Our focus is to run as a group for as long as possible, and Melanie will be instrumental in guiding the six freshmen throughout the entire weekend."
Two key competitors for the cross country program, juniors Alex Rose and Nicole Irving, will not compete until the Charlotte Invitational to focus on training over the next several weeks.
"This weekend specifically is designed for the younger members of the team to appreciate the details of traveling, managing emotion, and racing in an unfamiliar environment," said Hunt.
Following the Virginia Tech Invitational, the Deacs will take the next weekend off before returning to action on Friday, Sept. 28 for the Charlotte Invitational.
Players Mentioned
