BATON ROUGE -- The LSU men’s and women’s cross country teams return to action this Saturday when they host their only home meet of the year, the Tiger Cross Country Festival, at Highland Road Park.
Collegiate competition begins at 8:30 a.m. with the women’s 6K race. The men follow at 9:30 a.m. with an 8K run.
The field, which will consist primarily of in-state competition, is highlighted by UL-Lafayette, Tulane, McNeese State and Loyola.
The Tigers and Lady Tigers are coming off a pair of third-place finishes at the season-opening Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa, Ala., last week. The impressive early season finishes leave LSU cross country coach Mark Elliott with high expectations heading into the weekend.
“I think we have a good chance at winning on both sides,” said Elliott of the team competition.
His teams will have the advantage, running on a course they train on twice a week. That coupled with a crowd that includes family and friends leaves the Tigers and Lady Tigers hopeful for a positive outcome.
“When we compete we always want to put our best foot forward and go out and put on a good show, but at a home meet you always what to do your best,” said Elliott.
Both squads will try to build on some superior individual efforts displayed at the Crimson Classic.
The Tigers Joseph Simuchimba posted the sixth fastest 8K time in the SEC last week, clocking an impressive 24:40.21 in his cross country debut.
For the women, senior Kate Accardo broke 19 minutes on the 5K course, finishing in 18:59.12 to pace the Lady Tiger squad.
Following the Tiger Cross Country Festival, the LSU men’s and women’s teams hit the road on Sat., Sept. 29 for the Tiger Invitational in Auburn, Ala.