MSU Hosts 2011 Bulldog Invitational At Horse Park On Saturday
Action begins at 8 a.m. with the men's 8K, followed by the women's 5K at 8:45. All races are free to the public and will take place at the Mississippi State Horse Park.
Joining MSU at the Invitational are Jackson State, West Alabama, Blue Mountain and SEC foe LSU.
"This will be a step up for us in competition," coach Houston Franks said. "LSU brings a lot to the table. They have a solid squad, and it will be a good test of our athletes."
The Lady Bulldogs are looking for continued improvement from Renee Masterson and Haley Greenwell, who finished first and second, respectively, at Sewanee. Greenwell won this event last year to claim her first medalist honor as a collegiate athlete.
"I was quite impressed with the performance of our young athletes," Franks commented. "They stepped up in their first outing and showed that they are ready to compete."
The Bulldogs will also rely on hard work from the younger athletes, as well as the guidance of veterans Phillip Johnson and John Valentine, both of whom finished in the Top 3 at Sewanee.
MSU enters the Invitational as defending champions, but it is not letting that hinder the preparation.
"This week, we are starting to transition into race preparation, while still doing a higher volume of work running wise."
Following completion of Saturday's meet the Bulldogs travel to Bethlehem, Penn., on Sept. 30 for the Paul Short Invitational.
