Aug. 31, 2005

BEAUMONT, Texas - The Lamar University cross country team will begin the 2005 season Thursday morning at Claiborne Park in Vidor, when they take on long time rivals McNeese State University in a dual meet beginning at 8 a.m.

The women will start things of with a two-mile run, starting at 8 a.m. and the men will follow at 8:30 a.m. with a four-mile jaunt.

The Lady Cardinals, who captured the Southland Conference title last season, look to defend their crown again this year. Natasha Williams and Jackie John, who finished second and third respectively in the Southland Conference last year, will anchor the squad again this year.

Also returning from the 2004 championship team are Amanda King who placed seventh, Clerc Koenck who finished 11th, Sarah Weir who finished 17th and Amber Prather. Renee Graham, who ran distance for the LU track team last year, and freshmen Stacey Monteau and will also join the Lady Cardinals cross country team this season.

The Cardinal men return all seven members of the 2004 team, which finished in third place at the Southland Conference meet.

Jake Champagne led the Cardinals at the SLC meet last year; with a 13th place finish, while Travis Tolbert and Danny Shaw finished in 22nd and 25th respectively. Also coming back from last years squad is Michael Goeddertz, Martin Husen, Ben McBride and Hamish Meacheam.