Tigers Head To Riverside, Calif. On Saturday For Big West Championships

Stockton, Calif. – The Pacific Cross Country team heads to Riverside, Calif. for the Big West Championships on Saturday, Oct. 29. It will be the Tigers first 6K race in three weeks, after running in the 5K Bronco Invitational on Oct. 15.

The course itself will lead to a fast pace because there are only a few small hills, and the ground will be ideal for a quick race.  

Head coach Josh Jones is pleased with his team's progression to this point in the 2011 campaign saying, "basing off what we did in San Diego a few weeks ago, everyone is ready to run big, and put up some impressive times." He added, "We are three minutes faster than last year, so I hope we continue that pace into the conference championships."

However, Jones is not looking to over-coach one of his most successful squads thus far saying, "I am just going to let them run. This late in the season we can't change much, so I am just going to let their talents take over."

Jones is ready to watch all his runners including Melissa Hopper, Katie Castro and Rebecca Tuttle saying, "Melissa (Hopper) is a competitor, she has battled an injury and sickness this year, but her competitive attitude is why I am confident she will run well this week." He added, "Katie (Castro) is ready to do something big for the team. Also, Rebecca (Tuttle) has looked great in practice, and I fully expect a strong race from her." Jones also was impressed with the way three of his more experienced runners were performing to this point adding, "Cassi Rush, Jazmin Quiroz and Monica Torres are definitely faster at this point in the season.  I am excited to see their performance this week." 

Pacific Cross Country will return to action when they send a group of runners to the NCAA Regionals on Nov. 12 in Stanford, Calif.