Men's Cross Country Week That Was: Week 13
11/17/2008 12:00:00 AM
Nov. 17, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama men's cross country coach Joe Walker led the No. 5 nationally ranked Crimson Tide through their 13th week of practice and the NCAA South Region Championships. The squad defended last year's title by bringing home yet another South Region Championship Saturday.
Alabama used the race this weekend as a really good workout in order to be rested for the NCAA Championships being held in just nine days. Despite a 1-2-3 finish by the Auburn Tigers, the Tide was able to overcome and still finish all five runners in the top 18 and win the meet by 10 points. All five runners were named to the All-South Region Team.
"We are coming off a very `smart' performance at regional," Walker said. "The guys managed the qualifier the right way and everyone feels fairly good coming off that race. We now just plan on getting our bodies fresh and rested."
The Tide will try to get in one good workout midweek before flying out on Saturday morning for the national meet. The squad is hoping for good weather conditions next weekend, but this experienced team should have no problem with whatever the weather offers.
"Mentally this is a veteran group and they know what type of approach is needed this week," Walker said. "They should be ready to respond."
The Crimson Tide finished sixth last year at the NCAA Championships marking the best finish in school history. The men go into the meet ranked as the No. 5 ranked team in the nation, their highest rank ever. Alabama hopes to be standing on the podium when they leave Terre Haute, Ind. on Monday night.
The NCAA Championships will be hosted by Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. on Monday, Nov. 24.
The men's 10,000 meter race is scheduled for 11:48 a.m. CT.
