SIUE Men's Cross Country Poised for Success in 2011 Cougars Start Saturday in North Dakota

Sept. 2, 2011

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The SIUE men's cross country team, under the direction of third-year Head Coach Eileen McAllister, is poised for a successful 2011 season with the return of six experienced runners and one talented newcomer.
"The team's confidence is already much higher than it was last year based on practices and time trials," said McAllister. "The guys look more fit and stronger at this point in the year."
Senior Marc Amarillas will be asked to provide leadership both on and off the course. The Quincy native led the Cougars at the final three meets of 2010.
"Marc is definitely a lead-by-example runner but will be vocal when he needs to be," said McAllister. "He is calm under pressure and still gets excited for races. He is just not one to get nervous. Marc guides the team by sticking to our plan during the race, and the guys know they can look to him for help with their pacing."
Shawn Dillard (Granite City), the only other senior on the Cougar roster, will provide added depth for SIUE with the help of junior Marc Presley (Cleveland, Ohio).
"The team's overall experience will allow a smoother progression throughout the year in terms of personal bests having previously run at most of the courses," added McAllister.
Junior Aaron Werths (Granite City) led SIUE at the first three meets of 2010 and looks to be in great position to continue the trend in 2011.
"Aaron led the team at the time trial," said McAllister. "He and Marc have gone back and forth through the preseason workouts. Aaron is definitely fit and put in the miles over the summer to raise his confidence level."
Sophomore Campbell Walters (Mt. Vernon) returns to the Cougar squad after competing well in 2010.
"Campbell improved a lot in the offseason," added McAllister. "He is great at leaving it all on the course and pushing past that mental point."
Another runner returning to SIUE is sophomore J.D. Wynn (Peoria) who finished all six races last season.
"J.D. will be a key runner as the sixth man on the team, and he is in a position to step up," said McAllister.
Nick Moore (Springfield) is the lone addition to the SIUE team after running for SIUE alum Trae Cotner at Springfield High School.
"Nick is doing really well during preseason," added McAllister. "It will take him some time to adjust to the 8,000-meter races, but he will be fine with the support of the team around him. He is ready to make an impact."
The Cougars begin the season Saturday with a 900-mile trip to Grand Forks, N.D., for the UND Ron Pynn Invitational. The meet is set for double dual scoring featuring SIUE, North Dakota, and South Dakota State. Coach McAllister hopes the small field will help SIUE get a feel for where they are in the race.
"The team is very excited and chomping at the bit because workouts have been going so well and they are feeling confident," concluded McAllister. "The trip itself is something new and different. The kids are excited to race."
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