July 8, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - After a successful fifth place showing at the 2007 NCAA South Regional Championships, the UAB cross country team looks to improve during 2008 season. Four members return from last year's campaign, while seven new faces have been added to the squad.

"This is the most talented class that I've signed," said UAB head coach Ray Stanfield. "We could be pretty good. They have potential. The schedule is different this year. We are going to go to some different meets. It's a good schedule and I'm looking forward to this young group."

For the seventh consecutive year, the Blazers will begin the season on Aug. 30 at the Belmont Opener in Nashville, Tenn.

"It's a short 4K run," said Stanfield. "It's a good gauge because we have gone there every year. I know how prepared we are after that meet."

UAB will return to Tennessee two weeks later on Sept. 13 for the Memphis Twilight. The site of the Memphis Twilight meet will serve as the same course used for this year's Conference USA Championship.

"The Memphis Twilight is a really neat meet that is run at night," said Stanfield. "With this young group, it is good that they will get to see this course beforehand. Everything is new to them to begin with, so hopefully this will be a benefit to them."

The following week, the team will head to Baton Rouge, La. for the LSU Invitational on Sept. 20. After a week off, the Blazers will compete in the Greater Louisville Classic in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 4, before heading to Orlando, Fla. for the Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic on Oct. 11.

UAB will end the regular season back in Memphis, Tenn. at the Conference USA Championship on Oct. 25.