The Presbyterian College men’s and women’s cross-country teams will end their spring track season at the Southside Power & Fitness Invitational this weekend, according to an April 9 announcement from the college.
This event marks the final opportunity for most athletes on the team to compete before entering summer training. Coach Robert “Bus” Baker said, “Most of our athletes will be ending their season at the meet this weekend, so it is our final opportunity to showcase fitness and give ourselves a chance to run a PR going into the summer training block.” He also noted that competition would include strong Division-2 opponents. “Lenoir Rhyne has been historically very talented on the distance side, so expect fast times this weekend,” Baker said.
The invitational will take place Friday, April 10 through Saturday, April 11 at Lenoir Rhyne University Track in Hickory, North Carolina. Seventeen runners from Presbyterian are set to participate in various events across both days.
On Friday evening, races include the women’s and men’s 1500 meters featuring Abby Donaldson, Alexis Yeung, Eliana Watson for women and Jude Rutherford, Jacob Smith, David Harner, Noah Kaufman, Robert Volk, Eason Bazemore for men. Sarah Danbury is entered in the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase while Katie Stevenson will compete in the women’s 5000 meters and Garrison Fisher along with Sam Gearheart will represent in the men’s 5000 meters.
Saturday’s schedule includes Nizeyimana Aristide, Samuel Wall and Robert Volk running in the men’s 400 meters; Alexis Yeung and Eliana Watson competing in the women’s 400 meters; Gage Walker racing in the men’s 800 meters; and Demond Alvin entered into the men’s 200 meters.
Coach Baker’s comments highlight both a sense of closure for many athletes’ seasons as well as anticipation for competitive performances against notable Division-2 programs.
