Runners Set to Compete in NCAA South Regional

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The University of Tampa men's and women's cross country teams are set to participate in the 2007 NCAA II South Regional, which will be hosted by the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

The 2007 NCAA Division II South Region Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday at Sharon Johnston Park in New Market, Ala.

The top three teams in each race, as well as the top two individuals from each race, not a part of a qualifying team will advance to the Division II National Championships on November 17th in Joplin, Mo.

The races begin at 9 a.m. with the women's 6K, followed by the men's 10K championship at 10 a.m.

The 15th ranked Spartan women, who enter the race as the top team in the South Region are looking to capture the program's second South Region title. UT last won the top prize in 2004 as the Spartans have finished second in each of the previous two years. Tampa is coming off a Sunshine State Conference championship.

Tampa's men are coming off a second place performance at the SSC Championships and are looking to improve on last season's fifth place finish in the regional. UT is looking to register its top finish in the event, which was a fourth place showing in 2003.

Directions to Sharon Johnston Park: From the UAH campus, head east on University Drive for 2 miles. Turn left on Memorial Parkway and head North for 4 miles to Winchester Road, turn right. Proceed on Winchester Road for approximately 12 miles and look for the sign marker. Turn left. The park is about a half mile down on the left.