Sept. 29, 2011

BEAUMONT, Texas - The Lamar University men's and women's cross country teams head to the University of Texas for the Grass Routes Grand Prix on Friday evening.

The Lamar men's team, which has won its first two meets of the season, has received votes in the national cross country poll. The men are ranked fourth in the South Central Region. The host Longhorns are ranked second in the region and 24th in the nation.

"It's great to get that recognition," Lamar cross country coach Trey Clark said. "We're a very deep team, I think we're better than people thought we would be. If we have another good showing Friday, we might be able to crack the top 30."

Clark said the women's team, which has finished third and fourth in its first two events, has been battling the illness bug this week.

"We're a little thin right now," Clark said. "It's been a tough week for us."

The women's race starts at 7:30 p.m. The men's race is slated to get under way at 8:15 p.m. at the Morris Williams Golf Course in Austin.

"It will be the first time we have run under the lights," Clark said. "It should be fun."

LAMAR