The University of Utah's cross country team is gearing up, ready to play host to a flock of regional teams at the Beehive Invitational this Friday, with the races set against the backdrop of Salt Lake City's Sugar House Park. Women hit the track at the not-too-early hour of 10 a.m., with men to follow at 10:45 a.m., with spectators enjoying the sweet, sweet price of free parking, as reported by the UtahUtes.com.
Competing teams hailing from Central Wyoming College, Salt Lake CC, and nearby Utah State among others are prepping for what may be a brisk morning soiree, and let's not overlook Utah's own up-and-comers: Lauren Ayers, Allie Bruce, Josie Fale, and notably Madi Hulsey and Claire Le Gallo who are making their Utes' debut; Cloe Ruth, also worth a shout-out, is set to dash in her first-ever collegiate 5k.
Speaking of making an impression, the Big 12 Conference recently tipped its hat to six of Utah's student-athletes with the Dr. Gerald Lage Academic Achievement Award, per the commendable GPA and credit accruals in the ledger brainy runners, indeed; names like Annie Ivins and Erin Vringer stand out among the honored, reflecting a sterling combination of academic and athletic prowess, a melding of mind and muscle if you will, and yes, that's worth celebrating.
As for what's on the horizon, the Women of Utah will size up this year's NCAA Championships course at the Gans Creek Classic on September 26, an affair that will surely test the mettle of these athletes with the women's gold invite race kicking off at the crack of dawn or close enough at 8 a.m. followed by the next race not too long after, just a short cooldown away at 9:30 a.m.
