Season Preview: Cross Country

Saturday, September 5

Flagstaff, Ariz.

Grand Canyon

George Kyte Invitational

9/3/2015 1:54:00 PM | Cross Country, Women's Cross Country

The Grand Canyon University men's and women's cross country teams are gearing up for the 2016 season under the guidance of first year head coach Sara Slattery. This will mark the team's third year competing in the Western Athletic Conference Championship. Last season, both squads placed fifth.

"Our team and our training will be focused on being ready for Conference at the end of October," said head coach Sara Slattery. "Both teams have the potential to be top-three at conference."

On the women's side, many of last season's top competitors are returning for this season, including senior Kelsi Klotter who led the team in five meets last season with four top-25 finishes. This included her 22^nd place finish at Kansas' Rim Rock Farm Classic, which earned her podium placement.

Sophomore Mariah Montoya will also return after earning strong marks for the team last season. Redshirt junior Emily Wilkinson will also make her debut as an Antelope after transferring from Mesa Community College.

"Our women have only lost one senior from last year and are getting stronger every week," explained Slattery. "Emily, Kelsi and Mariah have all been very close in workouts and should have their best seasons of cross country."

Junior Lacey Peterson was a member of the Lopes' top-five throughout last season, while Anna Henry, Kendra Altman, and Rebekah Young also posted competitive times.

"Lacey, Anna, Kendra, and Bekah have been looking great and are key to our success as a team this fall," continued Slattery.

For the men's side, GCU returns senior Matthew Jackson, redshirt-sophomore Samuel Proctor, and sophomore Chris Baker.

"Our men's team lost a few key members to the team last fall, but have picked up successful high school freshmen," said Slattery. "Sam, Matt, and Chris all return and are getting much stronger than last year and should be able to improve on their conference finish."

Proctor finished in the squad's top-five in all five meets to close out his freshman season. He posted a season-best 19^th place at the WAC Championship.

"Sam finished as one of the top rookies in the conference last fall, and it was just his first season of competitive running," continued Slattery. "He has a lot of talent, and with a full year of training under his belt now, should be able to compete with some of the top runners in the WAC."

Jackson and Baker each posted competitive times last season to snag the fourth a fifth spots in nearly every meet.

"Matt and Chris finished next to each other at the WAC championships last year and should be able to improve quite a bit this year," said Slattery.

Transfer, Jose Retana, and incoming freshmen Garet Kaul and Brendan Wagler are also athletes that could make a difference this season.

"Jose is a transfer from Mesa CC and has shown a lot of potential early this season and should make an impact right away," continued Slattery. "Garet and Brendan are both experienced high school cross country runners and should contribute and improve throughout the season."

GCU will open their season this Saturday, Sept. 5 at the George Kyte Invitational, hosted by Northern Arizona. The meet is a staple on the squad's schedule, as the team has been competing at it since their Division II days. Last season, the Lopes placed fourth among Division I competitors.

A full recap of the event will be available at www.gculopes.com.