Mavericks face test at Chile Pepper Festival
10/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
Oct. 15, 2010
Arlington, Texas - The UT Arlington men's and women's cross country teams will face a tough test this Saturday at the Chile Pepper Festival held in Fayetteville, Ark. The women are running a 5K and the men will run a 10K.
"This is going to be a very big test for our women's team," said Head Coach John Sauerhage. "It's going to be a really big meet. I think the men and women are ready to compete at a higher level."
Last season, the women's team turned in a 16th place finish while the men finished 23rd overall. On the men's side, the Chile Pepper Festival was won by Oklahoma State while the women of Texas Tech took first.
The women are coming off a first place finish at the McNeese State Cowboy Stampede while the men took home fourth.
"On the men's side, Cody Widener, Eric Montou and Heinz Schwarzkopf are ready to run very well and we are hoping they can be competitive with the other Southland Conference athletes," said Sauerhage.
In the Mavericks last four meets, freshman Emily Koenig has breezed by her competitors, earning three first place finishes. Koenig has also been named the SLC Athlete of the Week twice so far this season.
"Emily will be tested Saturday. We expected her to be in the top-20. I think she is able to run at a higher level and this meet will be a good opportunity for her to get some experience," added Sauerhage.
This year of the festival marks its 22nd year and will host approximately 4,000 runners and over 4,000 spectators. The festival will include over 80 college teams and 120 high school teams battle for prestige and unique Chile Pepper themed awards.
