Men's cross country team opens season at Southern Showcase

The Eastern Florida State College men's cross country team will open the fall season Friday in Huntsville, Alabama.

The men's team, who is ranked 17^th in the preseason USTFCCCA NJCAA Division II coaches poll, will compete in the Southern Showdown on Friday morning to kick off their season. The College 8K race will be the first race of a busy day beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama.

"I had high expectations heading into the summer with the guys returning, but realistically we are very young with Noah (McMann) and Wyatt (Pittman) the only runners back from the team that competed in nationals last year," Eastern Florida State College men's cross country coach Doug Butler said. "I am optimistic that the team will continue to get better, Joshua Torres has had a phenomenal summer and I am happy the hard work has paid off. We haven't raced in a while but I am optimistic we will run well. The course is absolutely beautiful to run on and I think the team will enjoy it."

 A talented group of freshmen have joined the team this season and are ready to begin their collegiate careers on Friday.

"It feels like I am starting cross country all over again, it really feels like a new beginning of my career. I am excited," freshman Jaiden McKee said. "The team is looking really good, the practices are going well and everyone is ready for the season to get started."

Friday's event will be the first of four events for the men's cross country team.