SHSU cross country teams are currently preparing for the Southland Conference Championship on Oct. 28 in Nacogdoches, TX
After a long three-week break, The Sam Houston State University cross country teams are back to work, as they ready up for the championship meet, which will feature all 13 schools in the conference.
The team is keeping the same preparation routine it has always had when it comes to the important conference championship meet.
“We basically prepare the same way like we do every year for the conference championship,” senior team captain Olivia Olguin said. “We back off of training a little bit and give our legs time to catch up and rest, so that by the time conference comes around we are ready to just run our best and do well.”
The Southland Conference Championship meet takes place at a different course every year. This year, the races will take place at Stephen F. Austin’s course. For senior Ana Moreno, she feels that this is not a problem because the team has raced there before.
“We ran on this course at the beginning of the year, so we know what to expect,” Moreno said. “Knowing how the track is and knowing from experience how to run on a track helps because there are no surprises.”
Last year at the SLC championships, the men’s and women’s teams placed in seventh overall. Senior team captain Evan Arambula explains that his team can make a comeback and place at least top three this time around. He has high expectations for himself and the team.
“We really just have to begin our race conservatively but smart and then push towards the end,” Arambula said. “Everyone has a game plan and as long as we stick to our game plan, then we should at least place top three in the conference. For myself, I expect to place in top five”
Senior teammate Chris Speaks also feels that his team can place high in the rankings.
“All we have to do is show up and show out,” Speaks said. “If we do that then we can easily place in top five.”
The teams biggest threat to watch out for this meet is SFA. Last year, the Lumberjacks placed in second overall for both the men’s and women’s teams. SFA also has a larger team and is playing with home field advantage.
The SLC championship will take place on Friday.
