The Auburn cross-country team will head to Maryville, Tenn., for the SEC Championship Monday.
Coming off strong finishes for both the men and women at the Oct. 15 Crimson Classic, the team is tailoring its practices to allow for more rest with the hope of finishing strongly at the Halloween weekend championship meet.
Kane Grimster, freshman in pre-journalism and SEC Freshman of the Week the last week of September, said he believes the strength of the competing teams will challenge the Tigers.
"We've encountered teams of this caliber earlier in the season, so we are definitely prepared and looking forward to the competition that the SEC will offer us," Grimster said.
The men finished second at the Crimson Classic in front of Ole Miss, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
The women came in seventh place, but Alissa Fisher, junior in physics, and Elizabeth Briasco, sophomore in nutrition and dietetics, each achieved personal bests.
Although half of the team are freshmen, they feel confident in the training provided by coach Mark Carroll.
"I feel confident that the training coach Carroll has given us and the schedule we've had this season will give us the best opportunity to perform well at the SEC championship," Grimster said.
Grimster said because the Tigers have already competed against the best teams in the nation, the level of competition the SEC will present won't be anything unfamiliar to the team.
He said he feels the team has learned a lot throughout the season and gained valuable experience that will be helpful at the SEC Championship and future meets.
Briasco said that while cross-country primarily places its focus on individual performance, the team works hard to run for each other.
And as a member on one of the youngest teams competing in the SEC, Briasco said the amount of training they have received this season builds confidence.
"It's difficult racing against girls who have two or three more years experience on us, but that's where heart and determination come into play," Briasco said. "When it comes down to guts and running not only for yourself, but for your family, I know our girls will pull through with some amazing times."
In his three years as coach, Carroll has led the women's side to a seventh place finish at the SEC Championship in 2009.
"On the men's side, if everyone has a good day, we have the potential to be a top three or four team," Carroll said. "On the ladies' side it's a little more unclear where we stand, but everybody is in good health and a good place to run."
In regards to practice, Carroll said he believes there is nothing to be gained from excessive training the week before.
"This week is about resting up and getting ready for the race," Carroll said. "The work has already been done this season, and we believe we have the potential to finish strongly."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
