Thursday, September 17, 2009

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 17, 2009) - The ETSU men's and women's cross country teams return to action on Friday, as the Bucs travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala. for the 21^st Annual Crimson Classic and the Lady Bucs head over to Appalachian State for the Mountaineer Open.

The Bucs are making their first meet appearance since running in the season-opener two weeks ago in Boone, N.C. ETSU finished fifth at the Covered Bridge Open with senior and reigning Atlantic Sun Runner of the Year, Kenneth Rotich (Nairobi, Kenya), placing third overall on the 6400m course.

On Friday, ETSU will be in for another test when they compete on the Harry Pritchett 8K running course at 5:30 p.m. The Bucs will go head-to-head with South Regional powers Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee; while conference rivals Belmont and Kennesaw State will also be in action.

Meanwhile, the Lady Bucs will head over the mountain and race at Appalachian State on Friday evening. ETSU is making its debut against Division I competition after racing at the Irish Brigade Commemorative 5K last Sunday afternoon.

Newcomer and two-year soccer letterwinner Caitlyn Epps (Cookeville, Tenn.) looks to carry over her success from the race in Elizabethon to the Mountaineer Open. Epps claimed the overall women's title at the Irish Brigade by turning in a time of 20:17 at Sycamore Shoals Park.

For more information regarding Buccaneer cross country, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.