Cross country teams have fresh legs for Conference USA Championships
After nearly a month off from competition, cross country teams will compete in the Conference USA Championships.
By Chad Murray
Skiff Staff

The men’s and women’s cross country teams are in action this weekend in Hattiesburg, Miss., competing in the Conference USA Championships. The meet marks the first time the teams have competed since the Texas A&M Invitational Oct. 12.

Coach Derek Koonts said his teams are prepared and well-rested for this important meet.

“We basically did a meet simulation last Friday, and I liked (having) the couple weeks off before a big meet to rest up,” Koonts said. “The race is 8K and 10K (for the guys) and 5K and 6K for the girls, so I’d rather go into a big meet a little rested.”

Sophomore Steven Lenney is ready to get back into the thick of things as well.

“I think most of us are anxious to get back in (action), especially for the conference meet,” Lenney said.

The men are anchored by sophomore Jackson Langat, who has had three top-20 finishes this year, including a first-place finish at North Texas in September, which earned him C-USA Male Cross Country Athlete of the Week.

On the women’s side, freshman Alayne Thompson has already captured first and second-place finishes, as well as two C-USA Female Cross Country Athlete of the Week honors.

“It’s real exciting,” Thompson said. “When I came in, I thought I’d be middle of the pack at best, (but) I’ve made a lot of progress this year.”

Last year in conference, the women’s team finished third and the men’s team eighth, and both individual honors were claimed by TCU runners. Koonts said he also expects good results this year.

“We ought to do a lot of good things at conference. (We) ought to have a lot of good performances, and then the team will take care of itself if the individuals do well,” Koonts said. “Hopefully we can repeat what we did last year with the individual conference champions.”

c.m.murray@tcu.edu