Sept. 5, 2001
ATLANTA – The Georgia Tech men’s and women’s cross country teams will open their seasons Friday at Moccasin Bend Park in the Chattanooga Opener, hosted by Chattanooga. Competition is slated to begin at 6:20 p.m.
Joining the Yellow Jackets in the field will be Auburn, Columbus State, Samford, South Alabama, Tennessee (men only) and the host Moccasins.
This event is unique, as it allows teams to open the season on a shorter-than-normal course. The men will race five kilometers, instead of the normal 8K, while the women will compete over a two-mile course, as opposed to the standard 5K.
The event marks the beginning of a promising season for both Tech teams. The women are fresh off of the program’s first-ever NCAA Championship berth, with virtually the entire squad returning. Included in the group are All-South Region performers junior Amy Dock and sophomore Renee Metivier.
Seniors Sara Pardue and Amy Edwards, along with junior Eboni Crosby, all members of last year’s NCAA squad, are also slated to be top performers for the Jackets.
“This is the best collection of talented runners that we’ve had here at Georgia Tech,” Drosky said. “As a group they have a chance to do some great things.”
The men’s squad returns a strong trio up front in senior Joe Stegall and sophomores Kyle Rabbitt and Brendon Mahoney. Stegall earned All-South Region honors with a 21st place finish at the NCAA Regional meet a year ago.
Seniors Phillip Gable and Joey Zins and sophomore Neil McDonagh are experienced runners who will add depth the Tech lineup.
Following the meet in Chattanooga, the Jackets will return home to compete in the Georgia State Invitational on Sept. 15.
