Cross Country to Host WAC Championship Saturday Morning

RENO, Nev. - The University of Nevada cross country team will play host to the 2009 WAC Cross Country Championship at Rancho San Rafael Park Saturday morning. The men's 8K race will take place at 10 a.m. followed by the women's 5K race at 10:45 a.m.

Nevada was picked fourth in this week's WAC Pre Championship Coaches' Poll. New Mexico State was picked first followed by Utah State and Idaho. The Pack has fared well at the conference meet over the past few years with Nevada finishing second in 2006 and 2007 and taking third in 2008. Nevada won the WAC title in 2003.

"Our Nevada squad was voted fourth in the pre-championship poll. Based on results to this point that is probably a fair evaluation. But in our sport, it all comes down to the championship," head coach Kirk Elias said. "This young team has started to gel after some real ups and downs in the early part of this season. A week and a half ago we were solid at the Bronco Invite (5th of 17). Training has gone well since. They are maturing rapidly. We certainly plan on putting up a battle on our home course. I am excited to see them race!"

Nevada hosted the WAC Preview Open on October 10 and the meet was run on the same course that the WAC Championship will be held on this Saturday. The Pack finished second at the WAC Preview Open. In Nevada's other 5K meet this season, the Bronco Invite, eight of the 10 runners competing for the Pack recorded PRs.

"I hope the Northern Nevada running community comes out to watch and support all of the athletes at the Championship," Elias said. "The course in Rancho San Rafael is wonderful for spectators with the athletes coming by the center of the course four times on each lap. With the women running three plus laps and the men five plus there will be lots of up close action."

Both admission and parking for the championship are free.