VIDEO: Nicole Griffith Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson Newman Cross Country rounds out the regular season at the Nooga At Night meet at Camp Jordan in Ringgold, Ga. on Saturday, Oct. 12 beginning at 8:30 p.m.
"It's an excellent opportunity and it is going to be really fun," said eagles head coach Brent Borden. "It's always fun running under Saturday night lights. The distance is going to be shorter for both squads in this meet. Both men and women are running in a 5K. The course is primed for some fast times and face off against some good competition. It is going to set the standard for the rest of the year."
After facing a difficult course in the Georgia Tech Invitational due to the devastation from hurricane Helene, the Eagles hope to get back to normal in this week's course.
"We had a solid performance overall in that meet," said Borden. "The conditions were a little different because of the hurricane that came through that area. A lot of muddy spots and heavy spots for the footing. Despite the challenges we faced, we still had good execution and good performances."
This is the first and only nighttime race that the Eagles will face this season. The race will consist of the women's 5K beginning at 8:30 p.m. The men's squad will head to the line at 9:05 p.m. for their 5K race.
"I've seen some really good workouts this week," Borden said. "We had a really good session on the track. I am looking forward to the team having that confidence from what they have been doing in training and success from previous races to carry over. Being the last race before conference, we can take the time to prepare and peak at conference championships."
Eagles senior runner Nicole Griffith talks about her season up to this point and her preparation for the upcoming race.
"It's our first night race so it's going to be a great experience," said Griffith. "I'm hoping to see fast times and it's out last 5K, so we're hoping to PR. We do a lot of night runs together so we are used to that environment.Personally, I want to see a bit more mental toughness which is an area that I've been struggling with in the last few races."
Carson-Newman Cross Country steps to the line at Camp Jordan in Ringgold, Ga. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8:30 p.m.
Keep up with all things Eagles Cross Country by visiting cneagles.com.
