NATCHITOCHES — Eight area cross country teams, including Northwestern State’s traditional rivals McNeese State, Centenary, Grambling, Louisiana Tech and Louisiana-Lafayette, line up in the NSU Invitational Monday afternoon at the Demon Hills Golf Course.
The women’s 5K race over the hilly track on the 18-hole layout will begin at 4 o’clock. The men’s 8K race should begin about 45 minutes later.
Joining Northwestern, McNeese, ULL, Louisiana Tech, Grambling and Centenary are Louisiana College and East Texas Baptist, said head track and field coach Leon Johnson.
NSU cross country head coach Haley Blount has relied upon the impressive performances of junior Chris Pearson to set the pace this fall for the Demons. He has been NSU’s top male runner in all three competitions.
Other members of the Demons’ squad are freshman Dusty Dischler, sophomore Cade Gentry, senior Chad Leath, freshman Nathanial McReynolds, freshman Cameron Mehl and sophomore Gaylen Mudd.
Senior Naumy Bor is the top performer for the Lady Demons, who also have freshman Brittany Culotta, sophomore Shannon Foley, freshman Courtney Hersberger, sophomore Jo Anne Penn and freshamn Janiesia Williams on the squad.