FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason's men's and women's cross country teams will open its season this Saturday, September 1 at the Spider Alumni Open. The meet will be held at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, Va. with the men's race beginning at 9:30 am and the women's race to follow the conclusion of the men's.
In their first time participating in the Spider Alumni Open, Mason will face Virginia State, UMBC, Richmond and conference-foe William and Mary.
With a very experienced and deep returning men's squad, head coach Andrew Gerard looks to improve on last year's results. In 2011, the men took second and 12th in the CAA Championship and NCAA Southeast Regional, respectively.
"Overall, this is one of the best and most experienced group of student-athletes that I have seen in a while," Gerard stated, "If we can capitalize on our talent as a whole, I think it could be a very successful season for us."
For the women, who last year finished 7th at the CAA Championships, head coach Sita Waru-Ewell expects the young squad to gain valuable experience in this season-opening race. Sophomores Peyton Lowe and Heather Selheimer are expected to be strong returners for the team, but with the exception of four other returnees, the team is compiled of newcomers to the squad.
"We have a very young team this season," said Waru-Ewell, "This weekend will be good for the team, especially to get a feel for what it is like to run at the university level and get some of their nerves settled."
