Aug. 29, 2002

NKU OPENS 2002 SEASON SATURDAY

NKU cross country teams compete at Chris Jones Memorial Invitational

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University cross country teams will open the season this Saturday at the Chris Jones Memorial Invitational in Louisville, Ky. Bellarmine University will be the host of the Chris Jones Memorial Invitational, which begins with the women’s five-kilometer race at 10 a.m. The men’s eight-kilometer race follows at 10:45 a.m. A year ago, the NKU women’s cross country team posted a sixth-place finish at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships. The Norse’s top returning runner is Elaine Koenig, who posted an 18th-place finish at the GLVC Championships last season. Koenig later set an NKU record in the six-kilometer run at the NCAA II Great Lakes Region by completing the race in 23:35. Koenig was NKU’s top runner in seven races a year ago, and she should contend for a top-10 finish at the GLVC Championships this season. Also returning for NKU is senior Erin Engel, who finished 28th at the GLVC Championships last fall. Other top returning runners include Emily Sand, Anna Moore and Lori Goetz. The freshman class includes Tracy Inman and Lisa Sand. NKU head coach Steve Kruse said Inman has been a pleasant surprise and could be one of the team’s top runners. The NKU men finished eighth at the GLVC Championships last season, and the Norse return several key runners in 2002. Sophomore Doug Fulmer was NKU’s top finisher in four races last year and is back this season. Sophomore Kevin Arnold posted a 29th-place finish at the GLVC Championships a year ago and is also back for the Norse. Kruse is hoping that senior Ryan Carskadon remains healthy this year and has same the success he enjoyed two seasons ago, when he posted an 11th-place finish at the GLVC Championships. Pat Sullivan, Joe Beck, Marc Teismann and Matt King could also be factors. Kruse said that freshmen Denny Kramer and Josh Lane also have a chance to make an impact.