The Second Annual Lee University Invitational Cross-Country meet is scheduled for Fletcher Park on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Flames will be involved in the 5K run at 6:30, while the Lee men will swing into action in the 8K event at 7:00 p.m.
Lee's men and women will be joined by teams from Berry College, Tennessee Wesleyan, and Hiwassee College. Berry is also bringing junior varsity squads for both events.
Berry has always fielded very strong men and women runners. The Lady Vikings are ranked No. 26 in the pre-season poll, while the Vikings are receiving votes.
"We think we have a men's team that can compete with Berry this season," said second-year coach Don Jayroe. The men's team will be led by Johnny Clemons, a seasoned performer that had outstanding running success at Lee over three years ago.
"Johnny is the race favorite," said Jayroe. He teams with last year's lead runner, Chad Dean, to give the Flames a strong 1-2 punch upfront. Dean qualified for last year's national tournament.
Jayroe also expects sophomore Caleb Morgan and newcomer Will Jayroe to run strong and be near the front of the competition. "Although we are without Adam Haney and Josiah Young from last year's team, new recruits Mike Walker and Nathan Bennett are expected to fill that gap. Overall, the men's team is predicted to be stronger than last year's team," said the coach
The Lee's women's team will be led by Erin Wasserfall and Joy Hrushka. New recruits, Lindsay Bo, Melissa Robinson, Kassi Deel, and Lauren Carroll will round up the top scorers. The Lee ladies made the NAIA National Tournament for the first time last year. "Our women are not expected to be as strong as last year's team," Jayroe admitted. "However, as the season develops, we could see some surprises."
The public is invited to come out to Fletcher and view the running events.