Trisha Steidl, head coach of the Seattle University cross country team, has finalized the 2015 competition schedule, which features four meets close to campus.
The season will begin Tuesday, Sept. 1, with the annual UW/SU Open at Magnuson Park in Seattle, as the Redhawks will face an immediate test as they compete against the Washington Huskies, perennially one of the top programs in the country. The Huskies factor into Seattle U’s next meet, as Washington hosts the Sundodger Invitational Saturday, Sept. 19, at Lincoln Park in West Seattle.
Seattle U heads south to Blue Lake Park in Fairview, Ore., to defend its titles at the Viking Cross Country Classic, hosted by Portland State University Saturday, Oct. 3. The Redhawks will then host the Emerald City Open Saturday, Oct. 17, at Lower Woodland Park in Seattle, with the meet designated as the Pink Meet for the third straight year to raise awareness about the need for breast cancer research.
Once again, the Emerald City Open also begins the qualification process for the postseason meets, along with the Beaver Classic, hosted by the Corvallis Running Project Friday, Oct. 23. The Seattle U women will look to defend their title at the Western Athletic Conference Championships, hosted by Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Saturday, Oct. 31, while the men aim to improve upon last year’s fourth place finish.
The Redhawks will enjoy a bit of home advantage at this year’s NCAA West Regional, taking place at the Jefferson Park Golf Course in Seattle Friday, Nov. 13. The season concludes with the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships Saturday, Nov. 21, at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Ky.
The Seattle University cross country team will report to campus Wednesday, Aug. 19, in preparation for the 2015 season.