VIDEO: Phillips Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Eagles are prepared to face the course at McAlpine Creek Park for the second time this season as they are set to travel to Queens for the Royals Challenge Friday.

Beginning the season at the Lenoir-Rhyne Invitational, the Eagles had a strong start with Luke Greer (Northampton, United Kingdom) coming in first for the men and Rachel Strayer (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) coming in 7^thfor her first collegiate race. Racing at Queens only two weeks ago, the Royals Challenge will feel like déjà vu. The Eagles competed in the Queens City Invite for their second meet of the season, running the same course they will be on Friday with Greer and Strayer leading the pack for the both teams yet again. 

"It's a bigger race this time," Coach Eric Phillips said. "There's approximately 50 teams in the race and about 15 of those teams are directly from the South East region."

Eight personal records and four seasons bests were set two weeks ago when the Eagles ran at McAlpine Creek Park and they look to improve even more the second time around. 

"It's a course most of the kids are familiar with to begin with," Coach Phillips said. "Going out there and tearing it up two weeks ago definitely helps with the confidence. But it's the same course, we've been training hard, and we're ready to roll. Going into that championship season 25 days from Friday, this is our test and we'll get to see how we line up."

With divisions ranging from Division I, II and III along with NAIA, JUCO and USCAA schools there are roughly 50 institutions registered. 

The women will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the men at 5 p.m. 

Below is the list of teams that are included in the event.