Oct. 30, 2005

NATCHITOCHES, La. - A week after dominating at the Northwestern State Invitational here in Natchitoches, the Lamar University cross country team returns for the Southland Conference Championship, hosted by Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La.

Originally the SLC Championship was to be held in Beaumont, but damage from Hurricane Rita caused the meet to be relocated to Natchitoches.

The men will get the championship started with an 8,000 meter run at 9:30 p.m., while the women will start a 6,000 meter run at 10:30 p.m. at Demon Hills Golf Course.

The Lamar women have run strong all season, winning their first meet of the season over McNeese State, placing second at the Crimson Classic hosted by the University of Alabama and second at the Auburn Invitational. Last week, in their final tune up before the championship, the LU women took the top seven spots at the NSU Invitational.

The Lady Cardinals were led by freshman Renee Graham, as they have been three times this season. Graham has also placed fifth at the Crimson Classic and 11th at the Auburn Invitational. Despite being listed as a freshman, Graham is no stranger to the SLC. She was an all-conference performer in indoor track last year, placing third in the 3,000 meter run and fourth in the 5,000 meter run. She is expected to contend

Also turning in strong performances this season are Clerc Koenic, Stacey Monteau, Jacqueline John, Amanda King, Natasha Williams and Amber Prather.

The Cardinal men have also run strong this season, winning their dual meet with McNeese, placing third at the Crimson Classic and 15th at the Auburn Invitational. They also took a first place finish a week ago at the NSU Invitational. Danny Shaw has been the top finisher for Lamar in all four of their meets, placing first tow times, seventh and 19th in the four meets.

Cross country coach Sita Waru said this is the biggest meet so far this season for Lamar.

"We have had some good performances up to this point in the season," she said. "Now we have to come out and continue to run at the level we have been all season. Last week we ran really well here at Northwestern State, and on Monday we need to improve on that performance. If we do that, I think we'll be in good shape."