Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Cross Country Begins Season At Bradley Open
09/10/2003 | 12:00:00 | Cross Country
Sept. 10, 2003
By Josh Magill
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University men's cross country team looks to change its fortunes this season beginning Friday at the 18th annual Bradley Open in Peoria, Ill. With three returnees and six freshmen, the burden of earning "good" fortune is spread fairly even.
"We have three guys coming back, but they score five runners in cross country," said head men's cross country coach Matt McClelland. "I think our freshman are going to be very important to this team because in order for us to succeed two or three of those guys have to step up and help us. I think they will."
Lone senior Doron Giat and local Marion, Ill. product Eli Baker are anticipated to be the top two runners for the Salukis, but don't count out the skills of Northern Irish freshmen Joe Byrne and Diarmuid Grant. The two athletes both have a tremendous amount of running experience prior to SIU and should put up a fight for the team's top spots. Both gained valuable experience while members of Ireland National teams.
Competing for the fifth spot on the SIU squad is Vernon Hills, Ill. native Hunter Sheldon. Head men's track coach Cameron Wright calls Sheldon a "diamond in the rough" and expects him to contribute to both the cross country and track teams.
"We really have a totally new team. There is a lot of talent on this team, and we've got an opportunity," said McClelland. "We have to set our standards high from the first day. If I can set those standards high, and get that train of thought going, it should affect the rest of the team."
The Bradley Open, which takes place at Detweiller Park, is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. with the men's 8-kilometer run. The Braves host 21 teams, including 14 Division I programs such as Missouri who is ranked sixth in the Midwest Region, with Northern Iowa (11th), Eastern Illinois (12th) and Illinois State (14th) also ranked regionally. Marquette also returns to defend its title from last season.
Results of the Bradley Open can be found at www.bubraves.com or the Salukis home website at www.siusalukis.com.
Players Mentioned
