Men's Cross Country Has Big Goals, Despite Low Numbers

Aug. 29, 2002

Carbondale, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University men's cross country team has set lofty goals for 2002, despite the fact that the Salukis will open the season Saturday at the Saluki Fast Start Open with just six healthy runners. Despite the low numbers, the Salukis bring back a solid core from a team that placed fifth at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships, including all-conference junior Doron Giat.

"I think that with the way the conference shapes up this year we can be in the top-three,'' said head coach Matt McClelland. "I think that with the experience that they have got in the past, they are going to work it out. Depth is going to be our main concern, because we've got six guys right now. We can only afford to lose one guy.''

Giat placed fifth at the MVC Championships last fall and has the potential to crack the top-three this season.

"Doron is the second-ranked MVC runner coming back, and we are looking for big things from him this year,'' said McClelland.

Sophomore and Marion native Eli Baker also has a chance to make all-conference.

"I think that Baker has a real good shot at cracking the top-10 this year,'' said McClelland. "If we can get him to run a smart race at the conference meet he can be in the top-10.''

Ryan Hauser will be the lone Saluki senior in 2002, and will look to stave off injuries that have plagued him during his SIU career.

"He's got a chance to be all-conference, too,'' said McClelland. "He got injured last spring and he wasn't supposed to start practice until July 1. He has started back and is still having some problems, so he is really just starting to get going right now. He is going to be a project this year. We just want to get him back in shape for the conference meet the best we can.''

Sophomores Scott Mahon, Tony LaChiana and Steve Murray round out the list of returning Saluki runners, and freshmen walk-on Kyle Monroe rounds out the current roster.

"Steve is still having knee problems from last season, but once he gets back he will be good,'' said McClelland. "Behind Doron and Ryan, we are really young this year.''

Saturday's men's 6K race, featuring Southeast Missouri State and Murray State, will start at about 9:30 a.m.