Cross-country hits ground running with Meijer Flyer Challenge

By: Keith Raad – Asst. Sports Editor

The UD men’s and women’s cross-country teams will host the annual Meijer Flyer 5K Challenge Saturday, Aug. 30, at Kettering, Ohio’s Indian Riffle Park.

The season-opening meet will feature several nationally-recognized programs including the University of Louisville No. 7 men’s team and No. 14 women’s team, Ohio State University’s No. 6 men’s and women’s team and Miami University’s No. 9 women’s team and No. 14 men’s team. Other schools competing include Capital University, Cleveland State University, Northern Kentucky University, Wittenberg University, Wright State University and Dayton’s No. 14 ranked women’s team.

Men’s head coach Rich Davis welcomes back a young team. Five of the projected top seven are underclassmen, according to Davis.

“I expect our top seven to include three sophomores and two freshmen,” he said. “The strength of this team will be determined on how well we perform as a group.”

Saturday’s event will kick-off with the Men’s Intercollegiate and Alumni 5,000-meter race beginning at 10:45 a.m., followed by the Women’s Intercollegiate and Alumni 5,000-meter race at 11:15 a.m.

The race will be the only home meet of the season. The event is open to the public and free of charge.