The Southern University Jaguar cross-country team put an end to the 2001-2002 season with the men bringing home the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and the women placing an impressive second.
The 2002-2003 season will be a little different for the men and even more for the women with the loss of key factors and new additions.
” I have great expectations for the men having to defend the championship this year,” said Coach Johnny Thomas.” We lost our spiritual leader Chibali Bandele. However, Charles Moon and Murray Guillory have taken on the lead roles enjoying the Jags first cross country win since 1991.”
With five veterans returning this year to the men’s team, the Jags have experience on their side as well as depth with three new additions: Eddie Hollins, Darnell Parker, and Anthony Lee. The men are in a good position to hold their spot as SWAC Champions.
“It’s a different story for the women, losing leaders in Kenya Warren, Leah Walker, and Sahja Pitre,” said Thomas.
The women are left with just two legitimate distance runners: sophomores Rayla Hunter and Erikka Thomas. New comers are middle distance runners Jovanni Anderson, Aisha Harris, and sprinters Natasha Bradshaw, Brandi Angrum.
“This is going to be one of the hardest seasons as far as cross country goes,” said Thomas. “It is really going to be a coaching challenge with all we have been facing,”
The championship is scheduled for November 4. Getting in the speed work and running on a model course is an important factor for the team. The road construction on and off campus and not having transportation to get to parks has greatly affected the proper training.
The Jags are scheduled for seven competitive meets to get them ready for the SWAC Championship. The first will be at 9 a.m., Saturday, September 14, at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.