VIDEO: Jenna Pittman Interview
VIDEO: Bryson Burkett Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman's Cross Country squads make their way to Newberry, S.C. on Saturday, Oct. 26 for the South Atlantic Conference Championships beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The Eagles have put together a solid string of performances leading up to the SAC Championships. With two first place team finishes and four first place individual finishes, the team looks to make a statement at the SAC Championship race.
"We're very excited for this weekend," said head coach Brent Borden. "This season has come with a lot of growth and good experience for our younger and older runners. This year brought some unique circumstances. A lot of people stepped up and the younger runners stepped up and that is what we're looking for this weekend as well."
Borden talks about the importance of development of his young team and hopes to see them continue to improve going into the meet this Saturday.
"I've seen a lot of growth from our team from an individual and collective standpoint," Borden said. "As we go into this weekend we are looking to improve on our marks and compete with the top teams in the conference."
The men's squad will face off against the other SAC schools this week including Southeast Region No. 1 ranked Wingate followed by No. 3 Anderson and No. 5 Catawba. Click HERE for USTFCCCA Men's Rankings.
On the women's side, the Eagles will take the course against Southeast Region No. 1 Wingate, No. 2 Catawba and No. 4 Lincoln Memorial. Click HERE for USTFCCCA Women's Rankings.
"In our conference, we do have a lot of the best Division II distance teams within the nation," Borden said. "That helps us to be more competitive, which is what we want to become as we strive to build this program."
Despite the nationally ranked competition present at the SAC Championships, Borden is focused on getting his team ready to compete at a high level.
"The message this week to the team was to trust in yourself and the work we've put in," said Borden. "We are at the point in the season where the work the team puts in over the summer and over the course of the season starts to come into play. It comes down to trusting that you are capable of going out there and competing with the best in the conference and the nation."
Eagles sophomore Jenna Pittman looks to improve upon her standout season which saw her three top-3 finishes including an individual first place finish in the Nooga At Night Meet where Pittman clocked in a personal best in the 5K race in a time of 17:29.7.
"I think our team has the goal to be competitive there, and I'd love to see us sticking up front with the faster packs of runners," said Pittman. "I feel that I have experienced continuance growth throughout the races, so I'm excited to see what conference holds."
Junior men's runner Bryson Burkett rounded out the regular season collecting two top-10 finishes on the year as well setting two personal best times one of which came in the LMU Railsplitters Open 6K race where Burkett finished in a time of 21:40.4 earning 9th place. Burkett opened up about his approach to the SAC Championship competition.
"I'm really excited about this Saturday," said Burkett. "It's always really exciting when you get to conference and get to test yourself against your fellow conference runners. I'm ready for the challenge, especially after having difficult courses. I feel that my approach to preparation will definitely help me out in the race this weekend.
After the SAC Championships race this Saturday, the team will get a week off to prepare for the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Championships taking place at the Milliken Center in Spartanburg, S.C. on Saturday, Nov. 9 with times TBA.
Keep up with all things Eagles Cross Country by visiting cneagles.com
