HAMMOND – The cross country season continues Saturday for Southeastern Louisiana, as the Lions and Lady Lions head to Mobile, Ala., for the Azalea City Classic. The meet, hosted by the University of South Alabama, includes 5K races for the men and women.

 

Two weeks ago, Southeastern opened its season with the McNeese State Distance Relay. On the men's side, the twosome of senior Reese Lee and senior Henry Rop led the Lions with a third place finish, completing the 6K in 17:28. The Southeastern women were paced by senior Whitney Curry and senior Naomi Jeruto, who finished in sixth place at 22:00.

 

“This is going to be a good competition for us,” head coach Sean Brady said. “We're not very sharp, but we're fit right now, so we should see some good performances.”

 

Several student-athletes who missed the event in Lake Charles will make their debut Saturday, including freshman Matt Mouton, sophomore Seth Cunningham and sophomore Emily McAfee.

 

“This week will be a better indicator of what our team will look like this season,” Brady said. “We're at a point where there's competition within the team, which is helping our kids a lot. I'm very encouraged by the progress so far.”

 

In addition to home standing South Alabama, Southeastern will compete against runners from Chipola, Dillard, Spring Hill, Mobile and West Florida.

 

Gulf Pines Golf Course is the venue for Saturday's meet. The men are scheduled to begin at 9:55 a.m., followed by the women at 10:30 a.m.