Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Cass Davis
Trojans Cross Country Opens Season with Troy Invitational
9/2/2010 1:59:22 PM | Cross Country
The third annual Troy Invitational shifts course to bottom half of golf course
TROY, Ala. - The Troy University cross country teams begin the season this Saturday at home, hosting the third annual Troy Invitational.
The Troy Invitational is being held for the third year in a row at the Trojan Oaks Golf Course, albeit at a different site than in years past due to construction on the university's campus. A total of nine teams will be competing in the race along with the Trojans, at the site which is located on the bottom half of the course.
“We are thrilled to be maintaining the tradition of hosting the Troy Invitational,” distance coach Stephane Hetherington said. “With the amazing expansions being completed on campus, building a route on the remaining golf course was a challenge. I am so happy that coach (Jill) Lancaster put her faith in myself and Mike Conley to design and implement our vision for the new race.”
This year's Troy Invitational will include teams from Auburn, Florida A&M, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Tuskegee, Huntingdon, Albany State, LaGrange and Troy.
“The competition will be strong and deep as many of the area's top programs will be in attendance,” Hetherington said.
Last year's Troy Invitational was won by Auburn on both the women's and men's side. Ben Cheruiyot of Auburn won the men's race and the women's race was claimed by Holly Knight of Auburn.
Denzel Ramirez led the Troy men's team with a fourth place finish, while Sylvia Chirchir led the Troy women's team with a fifth place finish.
The Troy Invitational is just the first event of the year in a cross country season that looks bright for the Trojans.
“Each year we feel this program grows,” Director of Track and Field Jill Lancaster said. “With the leadership of coach Hetherington, our cross country teams continue to progress and I look forward to the first competition of the year.”
This year's Invitational will have a new set of races, as high schools will join in Saturday's events.
The Troy invitational with start at 9:30 am with the men and the women's race will begin at 10 am. The high school races will be held when the collegiate races have concluded.
Thursday, April 09
Monday, April 28
Monday, April 28
Tuesday, April 08