Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis ready for ISU Pre-National Invitational
10/16/2014 | 12:00:00 | Cross Country
By Rico Cruz
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill.- The Southern Illinois University cross country teams have a big weekend ahead, as they travel to Terre Haute, Ind. for the ISU Pre-National Invitational meet on Saturday. The men's team will compete in the Blue 8K race, while the women's team will run in the White 6K race. SIU will also have runners competing in the two Open races.
The Pre-National Invitational is one of the biggest meets of the season, with over 150 schools and more than 1,600 athletes competing. The meet will take place on the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course.
Head coach David Beauchem understands the importance of performing well this weekend with the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championships right around the corner.
"It is very important and a lot of times you don't want to say it is," said Beauchem. "It is important for our four, five and sixth runners on both sides to show the improvement we have had in our training for this weekend."
The Saluki men have been on a tear this season, winning two meets and finishing third in the Gold Division 8K at the Notre Dame Invitational. Michael Castel, Juan Carrera, and Oscar Medina have been consistent for SIU. The trio have been the Salukis' top three finishers the past two meets, with Castel and Carrera finishing in the top three in all meets this year.
The women's team will look to put together a strong performance before the conference championships. Kelley Gallagher and Sadie Darnell have been the top two runners for the Saluki women so far this season, and will push the pace this weekend.
Next up for the Salukis following this weekend will be the MVC Championships on Nov. 1. The meet will be held in Carbondale, Ill.
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