A fully healthy harrier squad is ready to head to South Bend, Indiana to participate in the Notre Dame Invitational tonight. Both the men’s and the women’s squads will be looking to improve upon last week’s performance and continue to build momentum for the MAC Championship, which is now less than a month away.
The women’s squad has regained the services of Brianna Killian and Nicola Viljoen, both of whom sat out last weekend’s race. Killian, who has been trying to overcome a case of bronchitis for the last couple of weeks, is eager to get back out on the course. “I’m excited and a little bit nervous,” Killian said. Coach Cami Wells is very optimistic about Killian’s return. “She is still not quite 100 percent, but she has been doing a lot better in practice,” Wells said.
Viljoen, who started last weekend’s race but was unable to finish because of her nagging back injury, is feeling much better and will be ready to go today.
“I feel good and look forward to getting back to it,” Viljoen said. The return of Viljoen and Killian will be a big boost to the women’s Harrier squad tonight in Indiana.
On the men’s side, there are a few bumps and bruises but everybody should be ready to go. Steve Blasko, the squad’s lone returning letterwinner, has been bothered by a hurting toe. Phil King slightly injured his foot during practice this week and has not been feeling 100 percent, but should be ready to go tonight. Ed Stonestreet, like King has not been feeling well but will also be ready to go at race time.
The men’s squad will be without the services of Patrick Maynard this weekend. Maynard, a music major, will be unable to participate in tonight’s meet because of a musical performance.
The absence of Maynard and the little nagging injuries create an extra challenge for the already short-handed men’s squad.
“We just have to be mentally tough,” men’s runner Troy Stiles said.
Coach Wells is excited to be heading up to Notre Dame. “I’m looking forward to going, it’s a nice, flat course and the runners like to race there,” Wells said. One thing the runners will hope to have in their favor is the weather.
“No matter what the forecast says, there is always bad weather when we race there,” Stiles said.
The Notre Dame race provides the Harriers with another excellent chance to see where they stand among fellow conference schools.
“There is always a lot of really good competition there,” Stiles said.
With all their runners back and healthy, the women’s squad has an excellent chance to improve upon last weekends finish. Things will be a little bit more difficult on the men’s side. The absence of Patrick Maynard, the squad’s number two man, will have a definite impact. Despite this setback, the men’s squad is ready to show the competition that they cannot be taken lightly.
Tonight’s action gets underway with the women’s race at 2:00 p.m., and the men’s race following at 3:00p.m. After this race both squad’s will prepare for the All Ohio Championships, which will take place Friday, October 11th in Delaware, Ohio.
