Eagle/Lady Eagle Cross Country Seasons Begins Tomorrow
Aug. 29, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY, TENN --- The Carson-Newman Eagle Cross Country teams begin their 2008 seasons on Saturday by running in the Greeneville Invitational in Greeneville, Tenn.
Coach Whitney Lee has high expectations for both of his squads.
"Every year brings new challenges and new possibilities. C-N Cross Country 2008 will be no exception," said Lee. With the women's sights set on the SAC Championship and the men looking to make some noise in the tournament, this season will be full of tough competition.
The men begin the season picked 7th in the SAC preseason poll.
Standout Jonathan Madden (Franklin, Tenn.), was selected as a 2nd team All-SAC runner in the preseason. New comers Jordan Backus (Roanoke, Va.), Chris Cowan-Banker (Knoxville, Tenn.), and Tyler Mabry (Morristown, Tenn.) have progressed in the preseason and will be big contributors for the team. They hope to place in the top half of the SAC this season and with their young team, desire to work, and commitment they should be able to make great strides.
"Our men have the challenge of restoring the respect of our program after a tough couple of years, Lee said. "The number one goal from our guys is to return the team to the top half of the SAC, and that's a very real possibility."
The women were picked 3rd in the SAC preseason poll after back-to-back 4th place finishes the last two seasons.
Returning to the team is defending SAC individual champion Aubrey Morris (Chattanooga, Tenn.), who was named to 1st team All-SAC in the preseason.
Joining her is returner Tiffany Winchell (White Pine, Tenn.), All-SAC in 2007, who was named 2nd team All-SAC in the preseason. Catelyn Dake (Knoxville, Tenn.), Lauren Henry (Greeneville, Tenn.) and Cara Hawkins (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) add great competition on the women's side with their mental and physical strength.
"I think there are going to be some good things that happen to us this year," Lee added. "The possibility of bringing a 6th conference title to the Creek is certainly enough motivation, but it's going to take some great races from our women when October rolls around."
Saturday's meet begins at 9 a.m. Both teams will run in their second meet this fall, next Saturday (Sept. 6) in the Eye Opener in Spartanburg, S.C.
Player Briefs Jonathan Madden Madden (Franklin, Tenn.) started his Eagle career in 2007 with a PR at both the SAC Championship (27:03/8k) and the Southeast Region Championship (34:58/10k). With a great start being named to the 2nd team All-SAC in the preseason, Madden is expected to run hard this season and should be in the top 14 at the SAC Championship.
Tiffany Winchell Winchell (White Pine, Tenn.), a junior Lady Eagle, earned All-Conference in 2007 with a PR at the SAC meet (20:32/5k). She was also named to the 2nd team All-SAC in the preseason. She has continued to train well since last season and it will only lead to good performances. According to Lee, "We need a great year out of her in order for us to accomplish some primary team goals."
Aubrey Morris Senior standout Aubrey Morris (Chattanooga, Tenn.), 1st team ALL-SAC in the preseason, and returning SAC individual champion is expected to do great things this season. She won the SAC meet last year in convincing fashion by 30 seconds with a 5k time of 19:13, which was just one of her great performances. She has qualified for nationals the past three years and is expected to do so again this season along with being All-SAC and All-Region.
