KENNESAW, Ga.- The women’s cross country team gears up for their first competition of 2010 at the Powerade Invitational in Chattanooga, Tenn. September 10. Hosted by University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, the contest is a 2-mile race at Moccasin Bend Race Course.

Seeing different schools from conferences ranging from Ohio Valley to Gulf South, Kennesaw State will be running with teams from all over Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. This meet will also provide a peek at conference rival Lipscomb, who sits just behind Kennesaw State in the preseason poll at fifth.

Participating in this meet for the third time, the Owls look to capitalize on success they saw in their third place finish in Chattanooga last season. Senior Mackenzie Howe was the overall winner for the women finishing the 2-mile race in 11:15. Seven runners finished in the top 20 all running the course in under 14 minutes.

Using this meet as a measurement of the team’s skill level, head coach Stan Sims knows the team is ready for the challenge facing them in Chattanooga.

“The girls are all at full strength right now,” Sims said. “The first few races of the season are always a training run for us so that when it’s time for conference, we will be ready.”

The squad brings in several newcomers to assist Howe and fellow returnee Brittany Robinson in their quest for an Atlantic Sun championship. Stephanie Sawyer, Heather Morris, Haley Carson and Alison Wald are a few of the fresh faces running for the Owls this season. Carson, one of three freshmen joining the team this year, has been preparing all summer for her shot at college glory.

“I am really excited to run at the college level,” Carson said. “I worked really hard this summer and the first couple weeks of school to get ready for the new season. My legs have never been this sore in my life, but I know it will be so worth it. The nerves haven't kicked in yet, but I know tonight and Saturday morning, I will be a little nervous.”



Meet Quick Facts


Event Name: UTC Powerade Invitational    

Host: University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Location: Moccasin Bend Race Course

Start Time: 5:45 P.M.

Distance: 2 mile

2009 Owl Finish, Score: 3rd, 48 points

2009 Owl Top Finishers:  Mackenzie Howe, 1st (11:15);  Britany Reilly, 8th (12:16);
Caitlin German,11th (12:31)

Schools Participating (9): UTC (DI,Southern Conference), Tennessee State (DI, Ohio Valley), Alabama-Huntsville (DII,Gulf South), Austin Peay (DI,Ohio Valley), Covenant College (DIII,Great South), Kennesaw State (DI,Atlantic Sun), Lipscomb (DI,A-Sun), Middle Tennessee (DI, Sun Belt), West Georgia (DII, Gulf South)