Tech Cross Country Prepares For Annual Red Raider Open
September 11, 2014 | Cross Country
Texas Tech cross country will host the Red Raider Open tomorrow, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the John Walker Texas Tech Soccer Field.
Sept. 11, 2014
LUBBOCK, Texas -- The Red Raider and Lady Raider cross country teams are set to host the 2014 Red Raider Open, which will start and finish at the John Walker Texas Tech Soccer Field, in Lubbock, on Friday.
The Lady Raiders are coming off a sweep of the TTU-UTEP-N.M. State Triangular, in Ruidoso, N.M. The men's squad went 1-1 in the double dual.
"When I first got here, we didn't have a home meet, per se," head coach Jon Murray said. "I felt it was important for the athletes and the evolution of the program to have one. It's a great opportunity for our men's and women's teams to have their track & field teammates and friends from campus come watch them run. We usually have a good-sized crowd at this event, so it will be a festive and fun environment. It's great for both the athletes and our program."
The Lady Raiders are led by 2013 All-Big 12 performer Sharlene Nickle, and sophomore Jocelyn Caro, who won the individual title in Ruidoso, two weeks ago.
The Red Raiders, coming off four top-10 finishes in Ruidoso, are led by junior Nick Rivera (sixth) and sophomore Evans Tuitoek (fifth).
"There's nothing like a race environment," Murray said. "You can't simulate it, so this will be one of those opportunities to gain experience, especially for our men's team, which is so young. Being able to race at home will definitely be a confidence-builder for the next race."
The women's team will compete in a 5,000-meter race beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the men's following in an 8,000-meter race afterwards. The race will begin in the intramural fields next to Walker field, and will finish on the TTU soccer field.
Texas Tech has had a Big 12 Individual Champion in each of the last four seasons.
Players Mentioned
