Cross Country to Host Clemson Invitational on Friday

CLEMSON, SC – The Tiger cross country program will host the Clemson Invitational on Friday at 6:00 PM.  The meet will consist of only a few teams and will be held on campus, a change from the past few seasons when Clemson’s home meets were held at the Musser Fruit Research Center. Both the men and women will face the same 5K course, which will start on the dike of Lake Hartwell, progress through trails behind the golf and rowing facilities, before finishing on the golf practice range.  The women’s race will be first at 6:00, followed by the men’s competition at 6:40.  Fans are encouraged to park at the rowing facility, which is located at the end of the road that runs behind the intramural rugby field and Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The Clemson women were ranked fourth in the Southeast Region preseason poll released Monday by the USTFCCCA.  The Tigers lost their top two performers off last year’s team, seniors Alyssa Kulik and Kim Ruck.  But, Clemson returns junior Natalie Anthony, who was just two spots shy of all-region status, and welcome the addition of Furman transfer Erin Barker, who was 21st at the Southeast Regional last fall for the Paladins.  In addition, the Tigers return regional scorers Kate Borowicz and Cara Talty. The Tiger men’s team, ranked 14th in the preseason regional poll, will compete without top 2010 and 2011 performer Ty McCormack.  He is red-shirting the 2012 season due to a study abroad program in conjunction with his degree program.  In his place, Clemson will turn to graduate Martin Maloney and sophomore Aaron Ramirez.  The Tigers also welcome a large group of newcomers, led by two-time defending AAAA South Carolina cross country champion Roland Hakes of Irmo High School.