By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—After a solid performance at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships two weekends ago, it is time for the Tennessee Tech men and women's cross country teams to test their limits once again. The Golden Eagle squads will travel to Tallahassee, Fla., on Friday for the NCAA South Regionals at the Apalachee Regional Park.
"We had solid performances by both teams at the OVC Cross Country Championships," head coach Wayne Angel remarked. "Boit and Rennick have been stellar all season, but apart from the Azalea City Classic, we haven't had everyone race well on the same day."
"We have two weeks of great training behind us now and I believe that both teams are ready for redemption and this Friday's race will be the test to show our true ability," Angel continued. "If we immerse ourselves in the competition and not overthink the situation, we will be successful. We really need to buy into running with our teammates and helping each other out. We've talked all season long about having success as a team and that won't change going into Friday's race."
In the Golden Eagle's last showing at the OVC Championships, Gilbert Boit captured the individual title, marking the first time in Tech school history that a male cross country runner has won the 8,000-meter race. Boit also led the Golden Eagle squad to a fifth place finish; the best team finish since the 2009 season (also placed fifth).
"I believe that both teams have a chance to shine as well as our individuals," Angel said. "Boit has a legitimate shot at qualifying for the NCAA Championships. He needs to have confidence in his ability and training. He needs to race assertively and have the eye of the tiger."
Micayla Rennick led the Tech women in the Championships, placing sixth respectively with a personal-best and school record time 5K time of 17:29.8. As a team, the Golden Eagles placed seventh, marking the best finish since the 2010 season when the Tech squad placed sixth.
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Photo by Thomas Corhern
