Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern prepares for Forest Park XC Festival
09/10/2015 | 12:00:00 | Cross Country
By Rico Cruz
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois cross country hits the road once again, as they travel to St. Louis, Mo., for the Forest Park XC Festival on Friday. The women's 5K race will kick-off the competition at 4:30 p.m., followed by the men's 5K race at 5:15 p.m.
Brandon Shemonia pushed the pace for Southern in their season opener, earning a fifth place finish to start the season. SIU will look to him to replicate his performance in St. Louis. Josh Maier also gave the Salukis a strong start, finishing behind Shemonia in sixth place.
The women's team will once again be led by Krista Menghini. The Fenton, Mo., native finished second overall in the women's 5K, helping her side finish fourth. Shannon Effron was SIU's other top-10 finisher at the EIU Panther Open, crossing the finish line in 10th place.
The Salukis will see tough competition on Friday, as they compete against Saint Louis, Truman State, UMKC, Missouri, and several other schools.
Following Friday's meet, Southern returns to Carbondale to host the SIU Invitational on Sept. 18.
