Aug. 30, 2005

BOCA RATON, FL --The 2005 Florida Atlantic University men's and women's cross country season will get started this weekend when the two teams travel to West Palm Beach, FL, to take part in the Sailfish Invitational on Saturday at 7 a.m.

Head coach Alex Smolka feels his teams have had strong off-season workouts, and they are ready for the program to make strides this season, starting with the season's first meet.

"I'm very excited and optimistic," Smolka said. "We had a very productive preseason. The team is looking strong and we are getting ready to challenge the other top programs in the state."

Smolka says an athlete to keep an eye on this season is senior Raynell Hagberg.

"She feels like she has some unfinished business and doesn't intend on leaving anything undone this year," he said.

On the men's side, the entire roster will take part in the invitational. Smolka feels the team is much more prepared heading into this season than they were last season.

"We'd like to be seen as having an improving program, and I think the guys are working very hard to reach that goal," he said. "They've gone through a successful maturing process after their freshman year and should build off that this season."