Oct. 3, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The Samford University cross country teams will compete in the Tiger Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 4, hosted by No. 21 Auburn at the Pines Golf Course in Auburn, Ala. The meet will feature 38 men's teams and 36 women's team who will compete in four different races.

"This weekend should be a great test for us," Samford head coach Rod Tiffin said. "There are several top 25 teams in the country that will be in the meet for both the men and the women's race. I think if we come in the top 10 it would be a highly successful competition. These are the tests that we are looking for to measure our self. I am really excited to see how our athletes respond."

The women will kick things off with the Women's Blue Race at 8:45 a.m., followed by the Women's Orange race which is slated to start at 9:30 a.m. The Samford women will compete in the women's 5K Orange race. The Bulldogs will face such competition as No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Florida State, No. 21 Auburn and No. 27 Iowa.

Also competing in the women's Mel Rosen Orange race will be Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Clemson, Emory, FAU, Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Lamar, LSU, McNeese State, Oregon State, Purdue, Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin, Troy and Tulane.

The men will take to the course at 10:15 a.m., beginning with the men's 8K Orange Mel Rosen race followed by the men's Blue Race. The Orange race will feature No. 21 Auburn and No. 26 Florida State.

Also competition in the men's Orange race will be Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Clemson, Emory, FAU, Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Lamar, Louisiana Tech, Seminole Distance Project, LSU, McNeese State, Oregon State, Purdue, Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin, Troy, Tulane, Louisiana-Lafayette and Washington.

The Bulldogs come of a week of rest after coming in third at the Crimson Tide Classic on both sides two weeks ago. Four Samford runners placed in the top 10, three women including one freshman and one male, senior Cameron Bean.

A full recap and results will be available on www.samfordsprots.com upon the completion of the meet.