The Ragin' Cajuns men's and women's cross country teams return to action and race in front of the home crowd on Friday as they host the Ragin' Cajuns Invitational here at Acadiana Park.

The event starts at 6 p.m. with the women's 5K race followed by the men's 8K race scheduled to begin at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Joining Louisiana on the trail are men's and women's squads from University of New Orleans, Nicholls State and Southern University.

Friday's outing is a chance for coaches Lon Badeaux and Kelly LaMaison-Brown to showcase their talented recruiting class to the Cajuns fan base. This season, UL is debuting five highly regarded freshmen on both the men's and women's squad.

"The major thing we are looking for with this meet is how much we have improved from the first meet," Badeaux said. "This is just another chance to evaluate our kids and see where we need to go with training.

"I'm hoping to see more of an aggressive and competitive team out there this weekend," Badeaux added. "Our course is a really tough course and you have to really assert yourself to run well."

The Cajuns are taking part in their second meet of the 2012 season. Louisiana opened the campaign at the Memphis Twilight on Saturday, Sept. 1. On the men's side, Louisiana saw three runners finish in the Top 75 of a four mile run which featured a field of 208 competitors. On the women's side, all five freshmen who debuted figured into the Cajuns final tally.

UL's men's squad is anchored by senior Zachary France. He's backed up by the past two Louisiana Cross Country Runners of the Year in Matthew Rice and Cole Stafford.

The Cajuns women are led by four-time Louisiana Class 1A cross country champion Anna Katherine Devitt and she led her teammates in the 5K at the Memphis Twilight with a time of 21:34.72.

France is the reigning individual champion and the Ragin' Cajuns are the reigning team champion. France finished last year's Ragin' Cajuns Invitational four mile course in a time of 21:36.4 and the team combined for an impressive 28 team points, finishing 67 points ahead of second place Alcorn State.

The Cajuns women seek to rebound from last year's third place finish in the event.

For all of the latest news and information on Ragin' Cajuns Athletics, visit RaginCajuns.com. Fans can also follow the athletics department on its social media outlets at www.Facebook.com/ULRaginCajuns along with @ULRaginCajuns on Twitter.

DIRECTIONS TO ACADIANA PARK:
From Lafayette:
Head northeast on Johnston Street towards E Convent Street. Continue on Louisiana Avenue and turn Right on E Alexander Street. Acadiana Park will be about 1⁄2 mile down on your left. Parking will be in the parking lot by the tennis courts & playground.

From I-10 West going East:
Take Exit #104 for Louisiana Avenue towards Johnston Street. Turn Right at Louisiana Avenue and a Left on E Alexander Street. Acadiana Park will be about 1⁄2 mile down on your left. Parking will be in the parking lot by the tennis courts & playground.

From I-10 East going West:
Take Exit #104 for Louisiana Avenue towards Johnston Street. Turn Left at Louisiana Avenue and a Left on E Alexander Street. Acadiana Park will be about 1⁄2 mile down on your left. Parking will be in the parking lot by the tennis courts & playground.


Permalink| Comments