Cross Country Practice Report #1

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill cross country teams have taken advantage of the natural areas near campus, conducting workouts in the mountains instead of running on campus.

"We started workouts last Thursday and all of our runs have been off-campus at various locations in the mountains," head coach Mike Owens said. "Thus far we've run at the Bent Creek Arboretum, DuPont State Forest and on the Mountains to Sea Trail."

The men's team began practice as the 17-time defending South Atlantic Conference cross country champions. While continuing the long winning streak leads to added pressure, Owens feels the pressure is a positive element.

"The guys feel pressure to continue the legacy that those who ran at Mars Hill before them established," explained Owens. "It provides a bit of motivation to them and I think it helps them run better."

The men's team returns many familiar faces as they lost just two seniors to graduation. This year's squad features two seniors, who are both team captains, with five freshman.

Owens and assistant coach Brad Nagel have the largest women's team in program history with 22 female runners. Although the team is large, team chemistry isn't something that Owens is worried about.

"We have a good mix of old and young on the women's side. We welcome eight freshman runners but also have very experienced older girls that have grown up in the program. I feel like there's strong team chemistry and I'm optimistic about the girl's chances this season."

The cross country teams begin the 2014 season at the Catawba Invitational in Salisbury, N.C. on Friday, September 5.