Cross country faces new heights in Provo
Bruin runners to
race top-ranked
schools at BYU
By Mark Singerton
The UCLA cross country teams have been tested by highly touted
opponents all season. This Saturday, their biggest challenge may be
Mother Nature.
Provo, Utah, the site of the Brigham Young Invitational, is
4,800 feet above sea level, and for many of the Bruins, it will be
the first time they have run at such heights.
The men will compete with nine other teams, many of which are
nationally ranked, including No. 13 Montana State, No. 20 Idaho
State, and No. 15 BYU.
UCLA continues to be plagued by injuries. Senior Creighton
Harris and sophomore Keith Grossman will probably be sidelined for
the remainder of the season.
But there is one bright spot for UCLA. Junior Dan Niednagel is
back from a foot ailment, and he, along with senior Brian Gastelum,
will likely lead the Bruins. Both are coming off good finishes at
the Stanford Invite, Oct. 1.
Despite the injuries, UCLA could be a threat.
"UCLA might be our biggest competition," BYU head coach Sherald
James said. "They beat us two weeks ago."
* * *
There is no doubt that the No. 12 Bruin women are the favorite
in their meet. UCLA will sport the fastest squad on the 5000-meter
course, and will hope to take advantage of the flat surface.
"It (the surface) should help our chances," UCLA coach Eric
Peterson said. "People like Jeanene Harlick can utilize their
strength on these type of courses. But everyone is capable of a
strong race."
The toughest challenger for UCLA will be the host Cougars, who
are ranked 13th going into the event.